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Sat, 10 Jan 2009 00:57:01 Z

I like the changes. You?

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Sat, 10 Jan 2009 01:13:26 Z

Personally I'm perfectly fine with Vista's UAC. Turn it off during install of software, turn it back on and I hardly ever see it again. Similar to how I hardly see the UAC on my Mac. But it appears I'm in the minority on this. ;-)

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Sat, 10 Jan 2009 03:27:41 Z

You're not the Lone Ranger, Susan. I'm perfectly fine with Vista's UAC too. ;)

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Sat, 10 Jan 2009 03:57:13 Z

Susan Bradley said:

Well I'm not running as a STD user yet, so I guess I need to experience that first. But I do like the fewer confirmations on moves, deletes, computer mgmt, etc. Regarding turning UAC off, I've never actually done that. I routinely turn off the secure desktop, but that's it.

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Sat, 10 Jan 2009 08:21:44 Z

This installation of Windows 7 beta is the first Windows I've used in 64-bit. I have used 64-bit Linux, but am coming from a Vista 32-bit system. I know there are many factors here that can create problems with drivers, such as digital driver signing and the fact most 32-bit drivers don't work on 64-bit systems.

So far, all of my items are at least working. There might be a few minimized features of some devices, but they all work. Not to mention, all of these device drivers are not available for Windows 7 on the hardware company's website (not a surprise). Some devices are even from before Vista, yet Windows 7 found drivers for all of them!

I am very happy with my system so far, Windows 7 beta has made my first experience with 64-bit very pleasant!

P.S. Some of the devices are:

HP DeskJet 920c (went to device manager, update device driver, search internet, finds and installs)
Trendnet TBW-105UB bluetooth dongle (before I had to install the driver on Vista, this worked immediately)
PPA 1165 esata expresscard (worked just fine!)
Cmedia audio for my USB speakers (was really worried about this, but did the same as the printer and it works!)

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Sat, 10 Jan 2009 09:49:54 Z

Hi CheesyBeef

Thanks for the feedback. I had a similar experience.

I was particularly impressed since this is only beta 1 that were using.

Regards,

Ronnie Vernon MVP

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Sun, 11 Jan 2009 17:32:32 Z

clean install, quick, no issues, updated all drivers correctly on first log on! Runs faster and smoother.

Is this really an Microsoft product?

(Just one thing tho! IE8 is poor and doesnt work... Off to that forum to report the bug...)

Overall, Well done up to now MS chaps!

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Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:09:36 Z

I am fine with UAC in Vista as well. The new changes to UAC are nice but not something I'd upgrade for. This doesn't mean I won't be upgrading :-) So far I'm really liking 7.

Turning UAC off during a software install may cause problems if the software is not Vista compatible. Turning UAC off disables the virtual file and registry features. When you turn UAC back on the application may fail because it needs to write to a file or key in a restricted area. If you had installed it with UAC (and the virtual store) on during the install it may run fine.

Kerry Brown MS-MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

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Sun, 11 Jan 2009 23:17:48 Z

I completely agree, the new UAC is amazing. I've hated UAC, made a point of turning it off on each Vista installation immediately due to the incessantly annoying nature of it however... UAC in 7 has meant decreased UAC presence on my laptop being a possibility through the control panel UI. I like being able to control what UAC can do, not just 'on or off', well done Microsoft.

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Mon, 12 Jan 2009 01:17:56 Z

I didn't have problems with UAC on Vista, but I HATED it on Windows Server 2008. I always turned it off on servers. From my casual observation, I don't see much of reduction in promts in W7.

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Mon, 12 Jan 2009 03:09:57 Z

What I see is Vista with some updates and some different interface themes.

This does not appear to be anything new, rather just Vista with a new name to appease the masses who have bashed it.

And of course a chance to sell something that should be a free update.

Not that I do not like it, it is just simply nothing wonderfully new and improved that should be called the next OS from Microsoft.

Bob

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Mon, 12 Jan 2009 03:14:39 Z

Windows 7 could be called Windows Vista 1.3. It's vista the way it should have been.

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Mon, 12 Jan 2009 03:28:26 Z

There's much more to an operating system than it's interface... Just because the GUI seems similar to Vista (despite being way more polished) doesn't mean it's a tiny upgrade.

Amusing how if there are drastic interface changes (xp->vista) there are often complaints about it being too different. Too similar of an interface (vista->7) leads to nothing new complaints. And in both cases there is no thought about behind the scenes changes (kernel differences, etc). Oh well... guess this explains how WEX always gets the front row booths.

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Mon, 12 Jan 2009 03:34:04 Z

A lot of people seem to be saying that, without considering that the updates from Windows Vista to Windows 7 are far more substantial and worthwhile than the ones from 95 to 98 or from 2000 to XP.

There's also no consideration for the fact that Windows Vista has a very bad (and undeserved) public reputation. They can apply all the fixes in the world to Vista, but they can't fix the world's misinformed opinions about it. They really do need to move away from Vista's negative image, and Windows 7 allows them to do that.

And let's be realistic. Microsoft is a corporation. It is in the business of making money. I don't expect them to give me free, new software every year any more than I expect Sony to give me a free PS3 just because I own a PS2, or for Intel to give me their latest and greatest processor just because I'm a good customer.

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Mon, 12 Jan 2009 03:53:07 Z

I do not disagree.

After plucking down $1600 for 4 copies of Vista Ultimate I would hope for something really new of the future OS.

Not just a name change and some changes to make the old program into a new program with a different name.

I absolutely agree that Vista has a bad rap (I love it and I sell it), and I do not see this product changing that, the naysayers out there are on a roll and will jump on this product with comments just like mine, only their comments will be malicious.

MS did not counter the negative comments about Vista when they had a chance before it got out of control and they will have to fight the battle again.

Thanks for your reply.

Bob

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Mon, 12 Jan 2009 04:01:48 Z

Windows Vista came how many years after XP? About 5 give or take. How long has it been since Vista came out? Less than 2 years. Vista was a major release, Win 7 is not. If I was in charge of MS, I would come out with the next release of Windows as soon as possible since Vista did not get a good reception overall. Main priorities in this release; fix what was wrong, increase hard ware compatibility, tweak the interface and most definitely give it a new name.

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Mon, 12 Jan 2009 04:06:27 Z

Akame-san said:

A lot of people seem to be saying that, without considering that the updates from Windows Vista to Windows 7 are far more substantial and worthwhile than the ones from 95 to 98 or from 2000 to XP.

There's also no consideration for the fact that Windows Vista has a very bad (and undeserved) public reputation. They can apply all the fixes in the world to Vista, but they can't fix the world's misinformed opinions about it. They really do need to move away from Vista's negative image, and Windows 7 allows them to do that.

And let's be realistic. Microsoft is a corporation. It is in the business of making money. I don't expect them to give me free, new software every year any more than I expect Sony to give me a free PS3 just because I own a PS2, or for Intel to give me their latest and greatest processor just because I'm a good customer.

Hmmmmm.....
Vista got it's bad public rep because many people paid good money for a disappointing product. The 'world's opinion' didn't evolve just because people felt like being malicious... Vista got its rep because so many people who bought it were very disappointed with it.

MS may be in the business of making money, but (I think) they learned a good lesson - don't create a product and expect the public to pay big bucks for it just because it's new. We can tell when something isn't done right. The public reacted reasonably by downgrading to XP and not buying Vista after word-of-mouth got out.

I think I'd have to believe that there was some kind of weird, large-scale conspiracy to account for why so many people didn't like Vista and are now saying that Windows 7 is what Vista should have been.

It makes much more sense to take the public reaction seriously. Vista seems to have been released prematurely and at this point (especially after seeing the WIN 7 beta and reading the public responses to it) it seems obvious that Vista was unsatisfyingly incomplete. Windows 7 appears to be the more 'finished' release of a new OS.

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Mon, 12 Jan 2009 07:28:12 Z

As many have noted above, I didn't have much of a problem with UAC in Vista, as it didn't seem to get in the way one initial system configurations had been completed. On the other hand, I think the changes made in 7 will be far less intrusive to the standard (read: non-power) users of the world. As long as this functionality still provides the security improvements from Vista I think there will be less desensitizing of users to the prompts in 7, maybe people will "think before they click" more with this release.

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Mon, 12 Jan 2009 11:34:50 Z

Hi,
thak you for any things.
I am downloading Windows 7 beta 32&64bit now.
thank you for your new Product .
bye.

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Mon, 12 Jan 2009 13:20:22 Z

Certainly another positive over Vista.
The fact that the UAC can be scaled to a users needs/ability is a big plus.
I still turn it off though! lol

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Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:53:41 Z

Akame-san said:

There's also no consideration for the fact that Windows Vista has a very bad (and undeserved) public reputation. They can apply all the fixes in the world to Vista, but they can't fix the world's misinformed opinions about it. They really do need to move away from Vista's negative image, and Windows 7 allows them to do that.

Vista's bad public reputation isn't completely undeserved. I have been with Windows Vista since the end of the betas, through the RCs and then bought Windows Vista Ultimate. Windows Vista was a horrible OS at the start, but a majority of the problems were not a direct result of anything Microsoft did. Vista was a substantial enough change from XP that hardware numerous hardware companies (notoriously in this nVidia) didn't update their drivers so you had reviewers and people like me suffering random slowdowns and a million other problems from bad GPU and in my case memory controller drivers. That said Vista concentrated on a GUI improvement, and didn't necessarily show the improvement on the kernel and other backend issues more tech related people often care about. Windows 7 is not a GUI overhaul from Vista, instead it's the backend improvements making it more efficient, leaner, and a better overall OS experience and one that better uses the hardware available. Apple's current OSX upgrade (Leopard to Snow Leopard) is mainly conquering these same kind of upgrades over the GUI ones.

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Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:03:25 Z

I prefer Windows Mojave :-)

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Mon, 12 Jan 2009 16:10:22 Z

tkotech said:

I prefer Windows Mojave :-)

isn't that Vista. LOL

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Mon, 12 Jan 2009 22:41:21 Z

I also am very very impressed and might even change my outlook on vista if this is it's replacement. Since most of my equipment was 3 years old sb600 south bridge x2 processor I thought this was gonna be a headache but to my surprise it wasn't hard to figure out. I really enjoy the self repair of the windows system in case it gets borked by bad drivers. Which happened to me like 10 times. After a quick repair it was off to the races again.
There are still problems with drivers for say SB600 and raid controllers, ATI 4850 beta driver just won't install for me even after turning off the driver signing in windows 7. But I am very impressed with how this version doesn't nag about security and it seems to be really stable. Even on an overclocked x2.
Windows 7 just might me make the switch to a better 64 bit operating system. Since I beta tested Windows x64 pro and had little trouble there as well I think I am liking the new speedier feel to Windows 7 and just might get this version as well.

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Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:34:32 Z

With my beta experience on Vista to Retail Vista, also having to deal with peoples issue with there retail versions. I have to say, Windows 7 does indeed take the cake, so far only ran into a few small problems but nothing drastic enough to make me think otherwise. This is probably the most stable beta I've tested so far as well O_o.

Windows Vista beta was a nitemare, but still liked it evidently enough to say stuff it to Xp lol.

I'm just hoping the kinks and problems get worked out or a majority of them any way before it hits the shelf. But I can defiently see this will be the OS to get for sure.

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Mon, 12 Jan 2009 23:45:40 Z

I'm also very impressed.

The only thing that didn't work 100% perfectly out of the box when I installed Win 7 was my Wacom tablet, and the only problem with that was a lack of acceleration for the mouse accessory.

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Tue, 13 Jan 2009 00:05:36 Z

I agree with 'volock' that Windows 7 is a much better 'system' than Vista. Just because it has a few similarities to Vista interface doesn't make 7 just a cheap Vista "upgrade". Forget about Vista and really work this Windows 7 beta on its own turf. That's what we're here for, right! THIS IS A BETA! Try it or not. Even at this stage, IT IS more efficient, faster, and leaner than Vista! I think microsoft has made a great leap forward with Win 7. Here you guys are, bashing Windows 7 for this and that compared to Vista, and because it has come out too soon after Vista's initial release! Give me a break! If you really want to compare Windows 7 to something constructive, compare it to XP Pro. I'm a die hard for XP, and Windows 7 has my interest. Eyes wide open! After all, if Microsoft stays on track here..., Windows 7 will overwhelmingly replace more XP systems than Vista systems.

MULTIBOOT, and work, play, work and play...

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Wed, 14 Jan 2009 23:41:27 Z

Kensei72 said:

Certainly another positive over Vista.
The fact that the UAC can be scaled to a users needs/ability is a big plus.
I still turn it off though! lol

amen to that!. I like the fact a user can scale it to their needs without messing up the installation of new software.

robin

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Thu, 15 Jan 2009 05:32:45 Z

I like the new UAC as well.

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Thu, 15 Jan 2009 05:36:23 Z

Nice post, Sayyed. It's a rare occurance for someone to thank anyone for anything. Have a nice day.

It is the responsibility and duty of everyone to help the underprivileged and unfortunate among us.

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Thu, 15 Jan 2009 05:53:37 Z

Hi Sayyed

I echo the comment from C.B.

Thanks for the positive feedback and enjoy Windows 7.

Ronnie Vernon MVP

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Thu, 15 Jan 2009 17:51:43 Z

To all forum users:

Please use this thread to note any comments that you have about Windows 7. Do not use this thread for any specific question or issue that you are having - just for comments or feedback. For questions/issues, create a new thread.

Thanks

-Tony Mann

Windows Client IT Pro Audience Manager for Web Forums

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Thu, 15 Jan 2009 18:15:57 Z

Well so far I am VERY impressed, it's a huge improvement over Vista SP1. Performance is as good, if not slightly better than XP, eye candy is great, the search works much better, and actually does not drive me nuts liked Vista used to.

I have had very few problems to report. My x64 desktop install worked a treat, there was a rather long delay when launching setup (after setting the regional and keyboard settings), it looked liked it had hung, but it eventually got there (after about 5 minutes), clearly some feedback that things are working is needed. This is a clean install (not a upgrade)

The resulting install was great, very speedy. Standby and power management is broken (as is vista), because I my Microsoft intellimouse keeps waking the system from sleep/standby due to it's over zealous IR sensor, I have to untick the "allow this device to wake up my computer" for it to stay in hibernate/suspend. Asus P5B motherboard MS Intellimouse Explorer.

I noticed the SATA score is considerably lower in the System ratings, than Vista, which is worrying....

My laptop 32bit install works just as well, and again is a huge improvement over vista. Again the HDD score has plummeted, This was a upgrade from Vista SP1. After install, I started getting BSOD, caused by Kaspersky virus scanner, which I had to uninstall. The power management on this laptop (Sony Vaio AR51E) works very well using the Sony Vista drivers.

All in all a very excellent beta, and something I feel is already a huge step forward over the absolutely horrendous Vista. My only concern is how much I am going to get robbed to upgrade from that turkey, Surely Microsoft should be paying US for putting up with it for 2 years :-)

Keep up the great work, and looking forward to future betas, and a final release.

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Thu, 15 Jan 2009 18:24:17 Z

The hard drive score in WEI is a known... issue? I'm not sure if it's considered a bug or if it's by design, though.
It has to do with whether or not your drive has write caching enabled.

Power Management in Windows 7 seems twitchy for a lot of people. I'm a little frustrated with it myself, as it worked fine for me in Vista, and when I check the Event Log it just gives me an oh-so-useful "Wake Source Unknown".

Otherwise, though, I'm every bit as impressed as you are. A big improvement over the Vista SP2 beta, and outperforms XP by leaps and bounds on my machine (as opposed to Vista, which only outperformed XP by leaps. No bounding.)

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Thu, 15 Jan 2009 18:27:42 Z

I have to agree with you! But if you could/would, please send things like that using the "Send Feedback" button but the minimize button, so that it goes directly into the dev teams database. : )
And I believe the SATA score is lower because the tests now look for latency.

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Thu, 15 Jan 2009 18:34:16 Z

I'm not going to say I ever liked the Vista UAC. But then again, you either mess with UAC or you mess with viruses/malware. Hmm... I'll mess with UAC. The W7 changes are welcome though. I just hope that the average user doesn't crank it to the bottom and leave it there. There is a good reason for it to notify you when it does most of the time.

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Thu, 15 Jan 2009 19:51:24 Z

My WEI also gave me a down score to my HDD, lower than my score in Windows Vista. In Vista the score was 5.9 and now in Windows 7 Beta the score is 3.
Is this score intentional or a bug?
Thank you for your time.

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Thu, 15 Jan 2009 23:44:34 Z

I think Windows 7 is fantastic. My die hard XP Pro dad messed with my PC for 2hours today, we went to the local PC Parts Store built him a nice Quad Core RIG and now, he is Beta Testing Windows 7. That is saying a lot, this is the same man that did not swap from 98SE to XP until 2004!

Two Thumbs Up For Windows 7!

GMKosMos
Tyler Smithey

Currently Testing Windows 7 Beta: 4 Systems built the same: 1Win7 ~ 2Vista Ultimate X64 ~ 1XP Pro/XP Pro X64 Dual Boot Box AMD X4 Phenom II 940, 8GB Corsair XMS2, EVGA 730a Motherboard, EVGA 9800 GX2 SCC, 2x500GB 32MEG Cache Seagate SATA Drives in Raid-0, 2x1TB WD SATA Data Drives, 6xHP w2207h HDMI LCD, 52" Mitsubishi LCD TV, Antec 900 Case, Antec TPQ 1000w PSU, 2 Sony BluRay Burner Drives.

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:59:21 Z

I have only been able to use it in a virtual machine ( all other attempts at install or upgrade have failed) but I would say it looks like a Vista upgrade rather than a new system.

I don't think it is fair to evaluate it in a virtual machine.

I plan to do a clean install (i.e. no dual boot or upgrade ) next week and I think that will work. We shall see...

I will say that after my upgrade attempt failed (twice) it restored Vista with no problems at all. Thanks thanks to whoever was responsible for that code. Great work. I was very pleased...

George

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 04:38:31 Z

So far I find it much better than Vista. It's more polished. It's very stable and stays very responsive. Now that I have modded x-fi drivers there's literally nothing stopping me from using it all the time.

I only wish Microsoft would put more GUI customization ability such as right click context menus. I'd like to easily add my own options not mess with registry entries or use 3rd party applications.

Cheers Tom

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 06:13:35 Z

So I really like W7, it's lean, mean, fast, and very stable. Way to go MS! But I must say that IE8 is a total piece of you know what. Launching IE is very slow, opening a new tab takes forever, and I often get browser hangs or tab crashes.

It seems like the same team that developed Vista got put on IE. I realize IE8 is beta too, but the quality difference betwen W7 core OS and IE8 is really astounding. In fact, I could see MS going straight to RC0 and RTM in short order with W7, except for the fact that IE8 seems lightyears behind. I wouldn't be shocked if the poor quality of IE8 held up W7 RTM.

I do most of my surfing a XP VM with IE7, which is vastly faster and more stable.

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 07:39:50 Z

I'm finding the exact opposite on Windows7, but when I tried IE8B2 on Vista felt exactly the same as you.

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 07:46:14 Z

I disagree.

IE8 works faster for me than IE7 in XP.
And 64-bit IE8, even faster.

If you don't like the slow load for a new tab, then set new tabs to be a blank page.
Go to Tools-Internet Options. In the 'Tabs' section click the Settings button.
In the 'When a new tab is opened' section select 'A blank page'.

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:23:21 Z

I'm glad it has the slider. I turned it off in Vista because I was tired of having it come up every time I visited the control panel.

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:27:36 Z

The speed is fine for me, but it does crash quite a bit, and it doesn't always reopen the right tabs when I try to restore the session after a crash. If it does, I have to wait a while as it attempts to laod all of the tabs simultaneously.

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 08:59:42 Z

I like it but the defaults from the huge tasbar (large icons) to the lask of text on taskbar icons (always combine) caught me a little off guard, and I didn't initially realize you could pin programs to the taskbar causing me to frantacly search for the quicklanch option.

In short, I was ambushed by the interface.

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:25:22 Z

All I can say is WOW

I beta tested both XP x64 and Vista x64 and had nothing but problems in getting all my hardware to install I decided to try x64 Windows 7 on two systems, the system i used for the vista trial and an Intel dual core Laptop and on both systems Windows 7 installed all of my hardware during the install i didn't need to touch a thing

it even found and installed my WIFI drivers in my laptop that even retail Vista struggled with.

The desktop based system is running great and the laptop is running so much faster with this Beta on it compared to Vista

if this is the shape of things to come all I can say is well done Microsoft things are looking Good keep it up.

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 15:30:02 Z

I absolutely love Windows 7. There is more than that pretty GUI going on here folks. This is not Vista reincarnated. I 've been testing this for more than six months , and still haven't seen the BSOD yet. Enjoy. I can only hope for better thing from here on out.

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 16:30:35 Z

This is Vista like I would like it.
It is Fast and seems reliable to me.

I do have an issue for the networking component, but, it looks good at first sight.
I run W7 on an older machine (AMD3500) and it responds much quicker than Vista does. If this is what Windows 7 will become, I am in.
Microsoft can do a little more on the graphics. Like it is now, there is too little change and since most people don't see the work under the hood, there will be little people be convinced to upgrade.

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:05:00 Z

The little use of 7 I did was for me a good experience of Windows (the better since I decided to move to Apple in fact).

Two drawbacks nevertheless : some preinstalled applications don't work, and IE8 is catastrophic ! I'm developing websites, using W3C standards. In "normal" mode, the Acid2 test is passed (not the Acid3), but pages what appear correctly on other browser (IE7 too) don't. In "compatibility mode", it's almost OK. So it's not a problem for me ; Safari and Firefox work perfectly !

So thanks for this beta.

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 17:14:13 Z

@Susan

I am with you. I have absolutely no issue with Vista's UAC. It is only there to protect users--even the so called "power users." During most day-to-day activities, it never intrudes. Actually, I set my Win7 boxes to mimic Vista's UAC behavior. Seeing the UAC shield lets me know what to expect.

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 18:41:33 Z

My experience with Windows 7 Beta has been very positive so far. All the software I use on a regular basis installed without problems and runs great. Love the libraries for documents, pictures, music, video. That was a great idea! The improvements to Media Center alone make this new OS something more than just a "Vista SP2". I really don't want to go back to Vista.

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:04:33 Z

I must say iv had a few problems with this system but i do like it, its so much faster i cant wait for it to come out in the shops i just hope its not over priced like vista ultimate. with the amount of cash microsoft makes they should be able to sell o/s at half the price and would prob reduce to amount of people using dodgy copy's of the o/s

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:20:49 Z

On the whole, this is as Vista should have been. There are a few things I don't like about it and if they were to make these UAC changes available for Vista I would use Vista for my Media Center machines. I paid good money for Vista only to have to go back to XP. My HP laptop came with Vista and so I figured I'd see if I could get used to it. Was great at some things but lousy in others (UAC). The Win7 upgrade went without a hitch on it but I can't say the same with my desktops. Neither would update but the clean installs went without a hitch and the installation speed was phenominal.

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:26:40 Z

Well, my machine a Lenovo R61 with 2GB RAM. My video is Quadro NVS 140. A very good machine in my point of view. It has a lot of proprietary software from IBM and Lenovo and I did update my Vista Business with Windows 7 beta.

The result is a working machine, with everything working and I'm not going back to Vista! NO WAY!

Ok, now more serious, the update went perfect. The only thing that did not work was my Medal Of Honor game, because some 3d dll crashed. But in a few seconds I notice an update for NVidia drivers and after that, not only the game was working, but SETI now detects CUDA drivers on my video board! Amazing!

I've noticed a few bugs, like Aero looses the capability to do transparent windows on the borders. Not always but sometimes. Closing the msn message window from the right-button of the mouse, the menu does not disappears, etc. Not severe bugs, but a few more things to tune.

Overall I love it more than Wista and I must say (like others did before) that Windows 7 has some features that should had been shipped with Vista! TRUE! And I'm waiting for WinFS now for Windows 7! DON'T FORGET THAT ok??

I see here and on other thousands of forums, complaint about Vista this or Vista that. My driver does not work for this, or some other issue. I advise you all that has this kinda problem to UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE your drivers from the manufacturer. You have my example with this computer. IBM and Lenovo are serious manufactures and they don't play with customers, shipping lousy drivers and bad bad bad software.

Before you buy, take a look at the vendor update and download's page and ask for support, to see if they have tickets or email and forums support. Also see if they have updated drivers.

I've had some problems too in the past with bad company's. But the choice is yours!

Now I'm waiting for new versions of W7 because not only of the looks, but essentially from whats behind the scenes.

Adelino Araujo

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:40:48 Z

Microsoft finally got things right here, use it with firefox and thunderbird mail. slicker then whale's snot

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 19:53:17 Z

Everyting can't be 100% right as this is in beta. =D

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 21:34:12 Z

installed very quickly and smoothly on a toshiba laptop and a compaq desktop.

no major crisis, everything loaded, drivers etc.

only problem that I had was trying to connect to a wireless network, but sorted it out fairly quickly.

I love the new taskbar, very efficient.

Programmes load so much quicker in Windows 7 than in Vista. I am actually working on my computers rather than sorting out problems.

Windows 7 is a big improvement over Vista in my opinion.

RIP Vista Hello Windows 7

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 21:59:34 Z

Per my thread in the UI forum, Aero Shake needs to have some kind of animation assosciated with it, or at least a tooltip pop up when the windows go away - I thought it was a bug and didn't know it was part of the OS.

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:07:46 Z

My perceptions are that Win 7 is going to wipe XP off the face of the earth. I Beta and RCed Vista and stuck with XP Pro. Recently (Oct) I installed Vista Sp1 on my test box and then did the SP2 Beta. That is a vast improvement.(Vista Sp2). But when I put Win 7 64 bit on the same machine with all being equal-Oh my gosh-what an improvement. I have XP Pro 64; Vista Home Prem Sp2 64; Ubantu and now Win 7 64 on the same box as a quad boot. And the best in overall performance?: Win 7 Beta I have faith that the IE 8, Win Live Essentials, Taskbar,Start Menu and Media Player bugs will be worked out before an RC or Beta 2 MS-awesome at the moment. ALSO-I hope that most of the complainers about it not being more like XP or Vista or whatever close their traps and move forward. This is a Beta and it IS better. But then again, how amny can get into the code and see the underlying changes? Chill naysayers and wait a few months for our thoughts to be implemented and for them to refine. All will be surprised, I am quite sure.

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:15:41 Z

Hello

Windows 7 Beta is a lot better than Vista ultimate and Windows 7 32bit is a Beta
the Beta seems to be more compatible with old XP programs, one more thing I have make windows 7 look different then Vista if u can the vista look is old,, Iv install windows7 on my laptop Toshiba Satellite A135-s2386 works good on that a smooth install .one thing I need to do is to see if it’s good for Gaming I’m all so trying windows 7 64bit on a Dell XPS 420 with a Ati 2600HD graphic card, 4gb of Ram sound blaster X fi gamer card not as smooth some drivers missing but got it to work ok,,a lot better than the Vista ultimate 64bit that was on there and the OS that was on their windows pro MDS 32bit this did not cut it but,, 7,, did . These windows 7 needs to come out before Oct. like I say make it not look like Vista there you go..The Networking seems to be ok I have like 4 other computers window 7 is working better with multi OS I have a Linksys wifi N network also I like how it seen my wifi network as I’m installing it very cool..this is a much need system,,, iv beta test Vista it sucked slow and crash my systems,, got to say wow this beta seem more stable then vista that is out now good work,, but know one going to get it though at this price like vista’s pricing lots well be very mad just because lots did switch to get Vista are u going to price it lower than the vista now? I have all of your OS from 3.1 to window7.. I’m Hard core Microsoft but To put faith back with Microsoft will be hard yes I feel Vista did hurt you and it will be hard to say windows 7 is better than XP and Vista I have a friend that said to me that he will never be switching from Xp to vista his online game well run bad,,, final fantasy online then I told him of windows 7 he Said the same thing to me ill never switch even when windows xp as no more updates to give out..Crazy yes but most do think this way. one more thing I think U should put Zune software into windows 7 aswell,, and thank u for reading this..

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:30:21 Z

I love this beta so far, and if things continue in this fashion I'll definitely get the final version when it comes out.

It installed flawlessly, detecting all of my hardware right away and not requiring me to install myself. It seems to run much more quickly on boot/shutdown. So far I've not encountered any incompatibilites or had any crashes.

As to the interface, there seems to be quite a controversy going on about the task bar. It seems that the majority on this forum don't like it and want the opportunity to have "classic mode". Speaking as an average home user, I love the new taskbar and I think that most home users will as well, once they are acclimated to it. But, as every user uses their machine differently and has different preferences, it would be a good idea to include options for more customization. Too many options would make it too confusing for the average user, but there is still room for more individualization.

Overall, in the brief period I've been testing it, I'd give it an A. Of course, since it's a beta, features may change and be added or removed, so I may post feedback later if I find anything is lacking or is even better.

Thank you for giving us the opportunity to test this software and hopefully do our part to make it even better. As a home user (albeit with lots of experience and a passion for messing around with things), I'm hoping to give some input from the average consumer rather than more technically advanced people who may have different needs.

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Fri, 16 Jan 2009 22:47:48 Z

Vista was good - as long as you purchased new hardware for it - I still remember almost exactly the same comments about Windows 95....

Windows 7 is Vista with the rough corners taken off - and it's brilliant. I've only found one thing that doesn't work properly so far (Win7 VHD disks - post in another forum).

But, why oh why let the marketing bods name products? Using the year as the version was the worst example - I still get people referring to 'Windows 2007' when they mean Office..

If you look at the NT Kernel version , Vista is NT 6.0 and Windows 7 is erm NT 6.1

Why?????

(Hopefully Beta 2 or the RTM will be available before 1 Aug 2009 - let's not have a repeat of 'Chicago' / Windows 95 where an update disk had to be sent out to extend the beta period!)

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Sat, 17 Jan 2009 03:42:36 Z

You can read the detailed reason why the Win7-Kernel is named 6.1 and not 7 at the Windows Team Blog. The main reason is compatibility for applications.

Quote:
We also had the lesson reinforced when we applied the version number in the Windows Vista code as Windows 6.0-- that changing basic version numbers can cause application compatibility issues.
So we decided to ship the Windows 7 code as Windows 6.1 - which is what you will see in the actual version of the product in cmd.exe or computer propertie

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Sat, 17 Jan 2009 04:21:23 Z

So far so good! i love Windows7. I haven't had any problems with it so far. It's a lot faster then Vista. It's also very stable. I will definitely be upgrading!

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Sat, 17 Jan 2009 05:01:16 Z

really impressed so far. I installed it on a cheap compaq I bought back in 2005-- msi ms-7184, sempron 3400+, 1GB ram, geforce 6600 w/256MB gfx ram-- and with all the bells and whistles it runs at least as fast as XP on the same machine. boots and shuts down way faster, though I don't have as much software installed on win7. far, far easier on the eyes. I haven't even had any driver issues, which is a lot more than I can say for XP-- I had a hard time tracking down an smbus driver when I did a clean install of XP a while back, but win7 got everything right from the start.

the only thing I've had a really disasterous time with is the WMP library, but it's about what I expect from a beta. itunes runs almost perfectly (hangs a bit on the occasional file operation) so I'm not really missing anything anyway.

all this leads me to wonder if the people calling win7 nothing but a superficial tweak of vista have ever actually used vista.

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Sat, 17 Jan 2009 09:30:37 Z

I took the plunge with my high hopes and confidence and installed Win7 on my work machine. No dual boots... just blew away XP (with the hesistant approval of our IT guy... I had to get his buy in so he could add me back to our domain). Call me bold or stupid, but I did it. I was that excited about experiencing Win7 and what I projected to be incredible improvements to my daily computing. This decision is very significant because not only did I do this on a work machine, but I'm also a software engineer. This means, that all the tools that I used before, better work on this new OS: VS2005, VS2008, SQL 2008 Express, Expression Suite, SQL Developer, Eclipse, NetBeans, WRQ Reflection, Office 2007, StarTeam, ClearCase and Cisco VPN, Office Communicator and Live Essentials (Messenger)...

So, it's been about a week since I took this plunge and what are my impressions?

I love it and I really can't complain! All the applications I mentioned above work, which saves me from going to Plan B(go back to XP). The biggest hurdle was probably getting VPN to work... which will give you a cycle of BSOD on restarts if you don't install updates and the appropriate version... but very essential to me working from home, when I need to.

So what do I like about it?
- I really like the new taskbar. I think it makes a lot of sense to just have the applications represented once and a context for all the running instances.. as well as the very nifty way of showing you the window.
- I like the notification area.. it just seems cleaner and uncluttered.
- I also like the default size of the taskbar... if you haven't noticed, it is taller, by default, but I'm used to making my XP/Vista taksbar a similar height so I can see the date (not just the time).
- I like the MRU in the taksbar
- I also like the manageability of the UAC but the Vista UAC never bothered me as much as other people did
- The new Calculator is pretty slick
- Process Explorer still works on it!
- CA eTrust worked seamlessly with it (required by our IT to be installed).. at first, I was thinking of installing OneCare or Kapersky.
- IE8 works much better on Win7 than it did on XP... somehow, on XP, launching IE8 and then immediately clicking on the search box made IE8 unresponsive for about a second or two (even with no add-ons)

So what don't I like about it?
- At this point, I still feel like tip-toeing around... not tangible reason, really
- Live Mesh doesn't work great with it, in terms of the UI... which is a big let down :( When I run the mesh desktop software, you lose the "glass" in Aero
- Sometimes, the "glass" regions start to render black... and in more rare occassions, the whole screen starts to render junk. I don't know when it happens (but I'm trying to figure that out), but my first thoughts on it is that it's related to running dual-screen on relatively high resolutions. I get around it by just right-clicking and doing Personalize, which seems to reset the theme.
- Getting Cisco VPN Client installed was a bit of a challenge with a few scares along the way because of the BSOD

well, it's 2 in the morning... i better go back to bed.. but one more thing. just my $0.02, I think a majority of people underestimate what it takes to build software, let alone an operating system designed for the masses. it just seems senseless that amount of effort that people take to bash software (namely vista). with that said, i could careless if win7 is a permutation of vista. i personally like vista... i game with it at home (x86) and use it as a media center (x64) and have had no problems with it, whatsoever. But the constant comparison to Vista and/or saying Win7 is not a real O/S bears very little significance to me becase at the end of the day, I think Win7 will deliver what I want it to, as a power user and a developer... I can maybe see the point of having to pay for it especially if you've already dished out the $$$ for vista but really, you paid for a product (in Vista). That's it.. the product didn't say that "in 2 years, win7 will come out and you won't have to pay for that". I do find it amazing how quickly Win7 is here but you know what, I'm very glad and I'm a happy camper.

Please vote for my MIX 10K Challenge entry called VisualSort.
Direct Link: http://2009.visitmix.com/MIXtify/TenKDisplay.aspx?SubmissionID=0002

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Sat, 17 Jan 2009 09:36:52 Z

it is a very good experience. a big step of microsoft.

Have Comments about Windows 7 Beta?

Sat, 17 Jan 2009 10:16:01 Z

So far fantastic! Boot up and shut down times have at least halfed, and i am running half the ram to usual (2gb atm) because bf is borrowing one stick.

Very quick, missed the easy 'classic look' on control panel, but listing all control panel itesm works ok.

Taskbar takes a bit of getting used of, but should be ok.

Overall soooo much quicker than vista, just hoping i dont have program compatablity issues, and hoping for a discount on windows when it comes out retail =D

Good Jobs guys, so far so good =d

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Sat, 17 Jan 2009 14:10:53 Z

I dont think that anything can replace Windows XP in near future, so why dont they enhance XP instead of making new operating system from scratch. Windows XP is something u can trust blindly.

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Sat, 17 Jan 2009 14:54:55 Z

alright I agree! But now I wanna uninstall it, do you know how to do it?

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Sat, 17 Jan 2009 15:52:39 Z

The Startup speed is much much faster than Vista, have Vista64 (Don´t use that SH*T to slow) I´m impressed..

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Sat, 17 Jan 2009 16:29:02 Z

I am loving windows 7!!

my first reservation was, could they really make; using and browsing multiple windows that much easir and forcing me to use the new features. I had this reservation because vista did have some of the features that windows 7 has for example clicking one button to show desktop but i never got used to using them. However windows 7 does make this a lot easir to use and I becoming more used to the idea of using all these little things that makes life just a little better... so thank you MS, keep it up and learn from your vista mistakes please!

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Sat, 17 Jan 2009 17:23:35 Z

This is just a remake of Windows Vista. I'm sure am glad I did not pay money for this POS OS.
The drivers don't get install correctly. And its just the most terible all around OS I have ever used.
Back to using Linux after I had installed for less than an hour.

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Sat, 17 Jan 2009 17:25:41 Z

Honestly, who cares about changes to how WEI is computed? Isn't WEI supposed to be used to compare different hardware running the same operating system? So, as long as you compare WEI for systems running Windows 7, is it that important if WEI(7) < WEI(Vista)?

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Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:32:41 Z

Regardless of what the detractors say, Windows 7 is a big improvement over Vista. First thing I noticed is that it cut the boot time in half. I used to be able to do a lot of things away from the computer while Vista Home Premium 64-bit booted. Now I barely make it out of my chair and Windows 7 is ready. And it's very light on resources, more than half of what Vista used. Just those two things alone make if well worth my while. But then, I'm working on a brand new computer with 8GB of RAM and top line video and audio cards, so that may have something to do with it.

Yes, OneCare doesn't work, but Avast 4.8 Home Edition does, it's free and Morro will be out soon and I'll switch to that.

All in all, I love it and can't wait for final release and I'm not going to ask Microsoft for a free upgrade either.

If all is not lost, where is it?

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Sat, 17 Jan 2009 18:38:47 Z

Just wanted to say that this beta is a terrific improvement over Vista. The boot and shutdown are indeed much faster than I had hoped for. The inttall on my laptop was incredible, all the drivers were included - even for my network printer! While I may still upgrade the RAM on my laptop (believe it or not, Ultimate is running decently with just 512MB), I must conclude that you have done something right - very right.

Thank you for making this beta publicly available. Can't wait to see how it evolves.

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Sat, 17 Jan 2009 21:09:38 Z

Just upgraded Windows Vista to Windows 7. Have the system running on a dual boot setup, Have had XP Home on one drive with Windows Vista on the other drive. Was intending to switch over to Vista after a good test run with Vista, never did as I was very disappointed with Vista when it was released, so I never did switch over to Vista I keep using XP as my primary operating system.

Was expecting to have a crash when I updated Vista to Windows 7 or even lose the Dual Boot setup at the start up screen, never happened.

Installed like a charm no errors or lockups, all the drivers installed perfectly. First look around the operating system not bad..... I find it a little more friendly to use have not seen any problems as of yet. I'm sure I will thought, I will try and break it LOL

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Sat, 17 Jan 2009 23:44:58 Z

Have been checking out Seven for a few days now and I love it.
NO bugs so far.. all the software goes on fine. Seems to have
adequate codec, boots quick and the GUI upgrades are great.

--------------

Running HP DV9408nr

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Sun, 18 Jan 2009 04:02:09 Z

Great instal of 64 bit. Everything went off withoput a hitch (well almost) I have 6 HDD in this rig and the set-up read them all and gave me CHOICE! I don't have to climb in the box and unplu every thing. Updated my 7600 Gt video, my Intel 965 board, loaded for my HP psc 2610 all-in-one and almost everyhting else. The only problem I had was that that on reboot after the install finalization (or my first true boot) I ended up having to unplug my IDE DVD drives. However, on the next boot-no problem. Just a line for all nay sayers and compairers to mac or linux and whining:

The seeds of today are the flowers of tomorrow

and that will be my byline now

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Sun, 18 Jan 2009 11:26:37 Z

Vista is good, Windows 7 is much better

Have Comments about Windows 7 Beta?

Sun, 18 Jan 2009 13:28:25 Z

Vista was OK on powerful machines, XP was better and Windows 7 so far appears to be even better yet, the speed and small footprint is major plus especially for UMPCs. So far the only major complaint is that the default user should have access to their entire computer and not need permission from their operating system to add or delete files from their device. Other than than that, given that this is just a beta and not all drivers have been updated to this OS yet, I am very pleased with Windows 7.

For those that think that this is a Vista update, I don't know code but, I don't see the connection, its faster, smaller and a lot of drivers designed for Vista won't work with Windows 7, sounds like a new OS to me. But then if it is just an update, who cares? It works and it works better, isn't that what updates are supposed to do?

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Sun, 18 Jan 2009 19:02:44 Z

I love homegroup :)

It was easy to set up and does exactly what I have been waiting for, enabling me to share files easily between my laptop and my PC.

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Mon, 19 Jan 2009 14:43:53 Z

Kerry_Brown said:

Kerry Brown MS-MVP - Windows Desktop Experience

One thing I will say is that this is counter-intuitive for many users I've talked to. Most people equate UAC to "that prompt that pops up when I click on a button with a shield icon" and are completely unaware of the file system/registry abstraction features. It would be nice if you could enable these separately, perhaps in an "Advanced Options" mode.

It would also be nice if you could get some sort of warning when these features are used, and a group policy option to block installs that depend on them (e.g. installers that assume things about the system they shouldn't.)

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Mon, 19 Jan 2009 18:12:00 Z

I like new Windows 7, I have some problems, but I know, that I am using the beta right now :). So you do good job.

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Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:32:09 Z

I install it on my Dell XPS 400 Using 64 bit, it detected every last bit of hardware, installed quickly and all my main basic apps and antivirus are working great on it.
so far so good!

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Mon, 19 Jan 2009 19:45:48 Z

I think that Microsoft has done a fabulous job with Windows 7.

Overall, it is faster than Vista, and I like the new UAC level system.

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Mon, 19 Jan 2009 23:00:06 Z

Being an XP and Linux person, I am impressed by this beta.

I have new hardware and the only things not recognized were the Co-processor and the SM Bus.

Apart from some strangeness with command line ability to run batch files properly, this is some solid and fast coded OS.

The software compatibility is pretty good despite what I mentioned above.

Well done Microsoft, seems you are headed down the right path at last.

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Tue, 20 Jan 2009 01:00:47 Z

I like the fact you can put the uac where you want it. I find windows 7 not as bloated as Vista. What i hoping is that Microsoft is reading all the comments and the goods and bads on this forum and taking the suggestions and implicating them for the next release.

I also am hoping when the final comes out a discount will be giving or a reduced price for those who have Vista now and want to upgrade to Windows 7.

robin

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Tue, 20 Jan 2009 02:41:44 Z

Windows 7 is excellent

Performance on my vaio sz-28gp is greatly improved compared to both Vista and XP. UI responsiveness, time to load apps, boot times are all faster. Handles multiple memory/CPU hungy apps better. Ill even start using Win+Tab switching now it comes up fast and smooth.

Battery life is 50% - 100% higher, compared to Vista on the same laptop.

I also noticed that Aero must either use less memory, or support exceeding video memory, because my 128MB video card can now do Aero in high res dual monitor setup, where the same setup on Vista would revert to non-Aero

I also love all the UI improvements, im especially happy with the new task bar, in particular because I always have it running down the left of screen on my widescreen display

Now If media center only supported GPU HD video accelleration the dream would be complete.

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Tue, 20 Jan 2009 06:16:48 Z

As much as I would like to give feedback to help in the development and fine tuning of Windows 7, I'm just not having many issues.
From format to up and running was incredibly fast. Everything I use, installed. The new interface and UAC is perfect in my opinion.

My issues have been minor at best. IE8 seems to be 98% of my issues. My creative X-Fi installed and sounds fine, although I haven't got the X-fi to see the mic that is installed.
I can say my sound was crackling and distorted until I installed all the drivers for my X-fi. My SM bus didn't install with updates but that was a very simple unzip the MB ini into a folder and right clicked SM bus and told to update the driver from that folder.

That is about it. Everything for me works perfect as if this were a released version. It's really that good on my system.
I will keep looking for problems and post as I find them. I have been using 7 since the day of release without many issues.
I am using the 64-bit W7 now, have the 32-bit W7 on another hard drive. I prefer 64-bit because I have 4G ram.
Vista (64bit) also worked flawlessly for my computer. Vista is an excellent OS and this one appears to be just as good with some new stuff that's even better.

system:
E8400 3.0Ghz C2D
Gigabyte X38-DS4 MB
4G Corsair XMS ddr2 800 ( 4-4-4-12 )
ATI 4870

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Tue, 20 Jan 2009 11:32:51 Z

I installed the 32bit version last Saturday half expecting to be forced to remove it soon after. I've been running it for it 9-10 days and haven't had so much as a hiccup. Install went smoothly,all my hardware was recognized and installed. I like the aero look (coming from XP). Everything seems to be running much more smoothly and faster than XP. Booted to my other drive once to retreive some bookmarks and XP seemed pretty clunky compared to. You ever get a real nice new loaner while your car is in the shop and then have to go back to the old beater when its ready? Thats how I'd feel going back to XP at this point.

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Tue, 20 Jan 2009 19:09:03 Z

By now there has been a lot of feedback on the web regarding Win 7, most of it positive IMO. There has also been some speculation regarding release dates for the final product, and how MS should give the final product free to current Vista users. As a Vista user I don't agree that MS should just give me Win7, but I would like to be able to use it until the final product release. IOW, I don't want to go back to Vista now that I have used Win7 beta. After testing the beta for over a week now I have removed Vista from my main pc. If I have to go back to Vista I will, all my data is backed up. I would prefer to use an RC of Win7 and wait for the final release.

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Tue, 20 Jan 2009 22:29:47 Z

I am EXTREMELY happy with Win7. Everything I liked about XP and Vista with none of the BAD from either. I think you have a winner here.

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Wed, 21 Jan 2009 06:35:00 Z

Well, I wiped this thing off my disk within an hour of getting it installed.

Hey MICROSOFT:

When you try to make the folder structure in Windows Explorer simple-minded, you only succeed in making it complicated for everybody. Now in Win7, you have taken it to a new level of weirdness with Favorites, Libraries and etc. If you must do that for the novice user, then just give him, say, 6 folders. Games, Pictures, Music, Documents, Programs, and maybe User Defined. Fine, advanced users will find them convenient too. But Jeeez. Then also provide one-click access to the full directory tree. I am sooo tired of wrestling with Vista to find things thru the GUI, or having to drop down to MSDOS altogether to do it. (On this topic, why do you omit the Downloads shortcut from the Start Menu?)

Furthermore, why are you putting those confusingly useless options in the Explorer taskbars? Often, those items give drop-down menus with even more greyed-out choices. Do you really expect anybody to burn a CD or change something via Files menu in Control-Panel? That's just sloppy, undisciplined work. It only serves to train users to ignore all taskbar items as meaningless clutter.

Now, with regard to my brief Win7 Experience, here's what I found:

My initial desktop customizations (solid color background &tc) took three bootups to stick. Just like Vista.

Oh that Explorer Start Navigation Sound ! It took me three bootups to kill that too. Just like Vista.

Yeh, the initial bootup splash is nice and fast now. But I'm not fooled. It still takes another couple minutes to get my wireless &tc going.

Where the heck did the SideBar go? It was pretty. I liked it.

Where did Windows Defender Software Explorer go? It was handy.

Hovering the mouse over All Programs in Start Menu activates it like clicking it? That's not convenient. That's obnoxious. And try just leaving the mouse pointer there. It's very entertaining to see it oscillate between All Programs and Back with no further user input. Yes, very entertaining.

The icons in Programs & Features changed their configuration once or twice, on their own, just like Vista. Really, really, really annoying. (triple-really).

Norton Internet Security 2009 crashed repeatedly. Like scheduled on a timer or something. I know. Shame on me for using such a product.

Pieces of Norton Ghost disappeared. Seemed appropriate in some sarcastic way. Lucky thing I could boot it off DVD to reinstall my earlier Vista image.

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Wed, 21 Jan 2009 15:25:54 Z

I really like the new Taskbar! I also like the less-intrusive UAC in Windows 7. I'd like ATI to fix their driver, but I know that's not a Microsoft issue.

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Wed, 21 Jan 2009 16:02:38 Z

I don't really get rid of the feeling that MS just put some features on VISTA and tries to sell it as Seven.

The changes and the features could be called Vista SP2 already - didn't MS produce a "new" operating System?

I mean there were more changes from Windows 98 and 98SE - not to mention from 2000 to XP.

People are not stupid and I hope the most of the people will recognise that if Seven stays like BETA shows us how it might be, it even less worth the money than VISTA.

If MS thinks that the user likes to be told what she/he has to startup ok fine, then at least there should be a version for people with brain and one for people that like to be used by their operating system.

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Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:26:00 Z

Please make the Beta versions upgradeable to RTM

Jonathan

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Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:58:53 Z

I'm loving it! Not that it has been absolutely trouble free. It is a beta after all. Coming directly from win XP it is more of a step up for me then vista users. I also had set all of XP that I could to use 'classic' or old win 98 style windows and ways of doing things.

So far I have resisted trying to force win 7 to let me work as I was used to and am trying to just get used to and use its futures. I like the thumbnails when hovering the mouse over task bar icons and being able to select which window to jump to. I’m even getting used to the windows maximizing when I move them to the top of the screen. At first it was pissing me off. Thought it was a glitch not a feature.

Loved that the first time it opened I did not get an endless succession of boxes asking about where to look for software and device drivers and commanding I find install CD’s I haven’t touched in years. Though I do still have some yellow ! That I’m unsure what to do about. Debating getting out some old install cd’s to see if that helps or surfing the net to download drivers. Only win 7 is not being clear what device I need work on. Don’t want to mess things up trying to install drivers for things that are working fine.

Also really love the way I had zero trouble connecting to my home network, getting online and opening hard drives on other computers to copy or access files from them. Was light years ahead of XP for doing that, even though I was accessing computers that still ran XP.

Computer User

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Wed, 21 Jan 2009 18:05:48 Z

Hi I`ve been running windows for about a week now and I`m very impressed. At first I had a few glitches But I was able to work them out. All my programs that I use since they are older programs are working fine. I still have to install my printer yet , So hopefully there won`t be a problem with that either.
I will definetly be getting windows 7. I wished I would of waited instead of getting vista. I feel that I`ve wasted that money on vista. But vista seems to be working ok now. Not as many uac permissions now in vista. But still once in awhile in vista I `ll have a problem or two getting something to work because the uac and having to shut it off is a pain too at times. So I`m hoping that at least the beta testers would get alittle discount on windows 7. Probably that will only happen in my dreams but one can at least hope lol.
sincerely
Kathy Woodcock

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Wed, 21 Jan 2009 20:48:18 Z

Windows 7 is great! I actuly put it on my main pc as my ONLY OS, I have not had any problems with it yet. The only thing I found was a glitch on MS Paint but its nothing important. All the software I use works great on Windows 7. Microsoft did a good job.

I got one suggestion though; Put the Zune Software on here so we don't have to re-install it. (I no it's a little thing to ask, but Apple puts Itunes on there product(s)).

Thanks
Ryan :D

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Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:45:38 Z

Cameron,

Thank you for your feedback. Unfortunately, I have deleted your post, but I want you to know why. It is not that you are unhappy about Windows 7 Beta, Microsoft, or anything else. We welcome open exchange of thoughts and ideas in these forums, both positive and negative.

I deleted your post because of the abusive nature of the post. If you would like to repost in a professional manner, we welcome that. Otherwise another abusive post will result in banning you from TechNet/MSDN forums.

Thank you for complying with the Code of Conduct.

Sincerely,

-Tony Mann

Windows Client IT Pro Audience Manager for Web Forums

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Wed, 21 Jan 2009 23:48:19 Z

Well Cameron, haw haw, I'm glad you said it.

They will censor you. Ironically, I was just editing and cleaning-up my previous post when yours appeared.

I would slightly disagree about Win7's new, more polished look. I found that one click past the new, oversized cartoon desktop taskbar icons, things are actually even grubbier than with Vista. That's where I hit my gag limit. I re-installed Vista. And that's where I'm staying for now. I just want MicroSoft to FIX THE VISTA BUGS ALREADY.

Update: They did censor you. While I was typing this! Haw!

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Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:03:39 Z

Hmm. It took me 15 minutes to calm down enough to delete half of what I wanted to say. That little Feedback button got to hear everything on my mind. I'd love to know if it's possible to view your feedback... For those of you that didn't get the luxury of seeing what was and is truely on my mind, here is the same post hopefully censored to Anthony’s specifications:

You’re drawing your last straw with me as a user of any Microsoft operating system. Most of us use it because people design devices and software to work for newbies and no other way. We don't want to spend the time to mess with it. We become impatient, and just want to plug it and forget it. A lot of people couldn't even tell you what packet encapsulation is nor could they begin to understand the connection limit within tcpip.sys. Others, like myself, are educated enough to understand the benefits of editing it. If my computer and network can handle it, why limit it?. Make the Windows experience a little more customizable for advanced users. This is one of the reasons why I dual boot Knoppix and Backtrack from an SD card. Sure, let's make all kinds of colorful transparent windows that consume way too much memory, it doesn't matter. Why don't you make an alternative selection in the setup process called "Advanced Windows User Mode" and make it almost fully customizable. My opinion on the matter is your working too much on your dress and not enough on the engine.

Cameron Julsrud

Cameron.says.hey@gmail.com

Note: I edited my post yet again to comply with the "Code of Conduct" which prohibits the use of profanity, however the "abusive nature" you are referring is not directed towards "(...)others participating in these services(...)" as deemed a violation in said article.

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Thu, 22 Jan 2009 03:44:11 Z

Cameron, instead of posting your discontent here why don't you click on "Send Feedback" and make some suggestions to Microsoft on how they can improve their OS to meet your needs? Sending them positive feedback will probably get more attention than another rant with no specifics as to what the problem is.

Just my opinion.

If all is not lost, where is it?

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Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:20:56 Z

I'm very pleased With Windows Beta 7, I'm a game developer by trade (sort of) , I know the beta is for testing purposes (tryed to find the proper info but couldn't) , but is it allowed that a game would be developed on Windows 7 Beta?

Never give up on your dreams

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Thu, 22 Jan 2009 15:23:09 Z

All comments prior to this post have been collected and submitted to the Windows 7 Product Team on January 22, 2009.

Please continue to add to this thread, as I will continue to collect comments periodically and submit them.

Thanks

Windows Client IT Pro Audience Manager for Web Forums

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Thu, 22 Jan 2009 17:22:16 Z

I have blatantly refused to upgrade most of our household machines from XP. Having installed Vista for others, I had come to the conclusion that there was no advantage to a move to Vista and in fact most of my drivers in XP are unsigned, (an issue I simply refused to deal with). There was also the issue of program compatibility, almost all of my programs would come over but the programs my kids use would not run even in compatibility mode.

     Windows 7, I've heard stories of problem installs, full installs that won't boot, I have no such interesting dissertations it dropped in, ignored my dual head video card, (as I had expected), installed the "standard vga drivers" (but they are at 1024x768 & 32 bit color), there was no sound but when I installed the drivers it errored and offered me an fix it option whereby it downloaded the correct drivers and worked perfectly. I have installed unsigned drivers and I simply get a warning, but it did allow me to override and go on.
    Unsigned drivers and software- I appreciate the warnings, but as that I use a good deal of unsigned drivers and software I do want to be able to continue anyway.

    7 is, so far, the first thing I have seen to cause me to consider an upgrade on my Windows machines.

    As for the aforementioned video card {it's a Radeon 7000 } roughly 6 years old I think and has a whole 32 megs of ram I was surprised the installer didn't tell me it was time to buck up for some video or give up.
So I turn one monitor off and as you can figure I'm running a more conservative interface.

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Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:33:58 Z

So far Win 7 (32 bit) has been a sheer pleasant surprise. It went in (clean install only) so fast (22 min) I thought that the setup failed - it didn't. Although right-clicking and choosing the top selection will take some getting used to, all and all, moving around and exploring is quite simple. What pleased me the most is the image creation. That feature alone will prompt me to purchase the new OS when released - provided MS keeps the price fair. I will only be pleasantly pleased when the new OS is released for the footprint may be smaller (if MS keeps stripping the OS with chunks that I really don't need or use or are unimportant [to me]), and although peppy now, it can only be speedier when the OS becomes optimized. No, I DON'T WORK FOR MS!

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Thu, 22 Jan 2009 18:42:53 Z

©LarryEº said:

If all is not lost, where is it?

Cameron. said:

That little Feedback button got to hear everything on my mind. I'd love to know if it's possible to view your feedback...

Please try actually reading my posts in full before you attempt to discredit or disharmonize me. Thanks ;)

Sir?

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Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:47:55 Z

Just before someone jumps down my throat, I have also sent via the feedback loop to Microsoft!

All I can say is that every day, 7 gives me a new challenge - drivers no longer working and having to be re-installed, install failures, IE not allowing updates to favorites, the time of day clock not being recognised in IE(works in Firefox 3, but reverts to USA time zone in IE) the list is becoming endless - and that doesn't include all the application restarts and the occasional total system failures.

Vista is solid, even the beta was for me pretty good - but this update to Vista (because that is all it is) is extremely poor quality as far as I am concerned.

If Microsoft is making 5000 redundant, I sincerely hope it is from the 7 team, as the quality of this system is extremely poor - I would not trust this system in a million years at the moment.

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Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:35:53 Z

Just before someone jumps down my throat...

None of the moderators in this forum would do that. Your post is completely reasonable and simply expresses your opinion without being abusive. Thank you for that.

In terms of your actual problems you mention, there are many people in these forums that are able to help you if you give specifics. There is nothing in your post that is actionable by moderators. If you want to respond back by letting us know error messages, types of hardware, etc., we will be happy to try to help.

Thanks

Windows Client IT Pro Audience Manager for Web Forums

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Thu, 22 Jan 2009 22:50:43 Z

First impressions...

I came into the beta here just a while ago and was really excited to see how stuff had changed. Like most people I had heard a lot of good stuff and had high hopes. After installing and playing around for a while, I really felt disappointed. I'm not worried about any hardware issues, wireless card didnt find a driver but running windows update fixed that. Performance was great. What really ticked me off is the new UI changes that I had previously been looking forward to. I liked pinning applications to the taskbar, but not Windows Explorer opening to the libraries folder. I like the consolidation of notifications, but not that I cant set to permanetly ignore certain messages from the action center. I know that Windows firewall is off, I turned it off on purpose. I like the new design of areo, like how windows go transparant when mousing over the lower left corner or the taskbar. I dont like how the new search box nolonger is a combine search/run box. Typing cmd, services.msc, explorer.exe no longer do anything. I dont like how it broke support for QTTab but still fails to give native Explorer tabs. I still dont like how setting to activate on mouseover also forces the window to raise. Thats a left over from vista. In XP I much prefered having it activate behind another window, for example to copy from the forewindow into a rearwindow without setting always on top or moving them around.

Out of everything, what I really really dont like is the required usage of libraries. I have zero need for them. Granted, they are a good idea that many people might like, but personally I dont. Being the single user of this computer with all family files (pictures/music etc) on a NAS then I dont like them, but I have to have the icon in Windows explorer to take up space, as well as being the opening page when starting Windows Explorer. I tried to find a replacement (like UltraExplorer) but even though it sounds promising, it had problems in Win7. Wouldnt lock the toolbars, save folder view settings etc etc. Along with my distaste of libraries is that of Homegroups. I still dont get what they have over just sharing folders individually, but it wants me to use them. For new users, fine. I can see the point of having the UI be smarter about where it allows/prompts/encourages people to keep personal files. My parents still think that if you "save it to the disc" then you can find it anywhere regardless of where you put it. Having it babystep even advanced users is a pain.

All in all, after spending the better part of today playing with it, I just dont like it. Maybe the core, hardware support, performance is better. I'm not the expert on that, but I really just dont like some of the changes to the UI that I cant find out how to remove/bypass. Time to go back and reinstall my copy of Server 2008.

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Fri, 23 Jan 2009 00:51:37 Z

I've been leaving a ton of positive feedback, thus far it runs a lot for stable then XP or Vista did, looks like the WDDM changed which I like cause some of the older apps/game won't run, but will run on Win 7:).

Never give up on your dreams

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Fri, 23 Jan 2009 03:53:39 Z

I agree that windows 7 64-bit version is excellent. With vista, I gave up on 64-bit and never coud get all of my drivers to work. It took week with vista to get the sound working.

I first tried windows 7, 32-bit version, but had to reinstall several times. So I decided to try Window 7 64-bit version and everything has worked perfectly. It installed easily and was able to load my wirless network driver and connect to the network. After that windows update offered the video and audio drivers that were needed and I had sound. I used Driver Detective and DriverMax to inport drivers that I had on my Vista partition.

The drive backup seems to work well.

The system has been stable after a startup problem on the first day which windows tried to fix before offerng the restore option which worked. No problems of any consequence for the past four days.

Charlie RJ

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Fri, 23 Jan 2009 06:57:57 Z

Re: Cameron, Fesak and my own previous post.

First of all, you see we are only a very-single-digit-percentage of this thread that has voiced disappointment and objections. Yet, we are not hacks who are trying to misuse the O/S. We are diligently making the effort to learn it, manage it, and get the best use of it. But we are frustrated and stifled from what often has the appearance of condescending arrogance by Microsoft. And it really seems that attitude is just the result of their unwillingness to discipline their work.

The example of Libraries is only a most trivial one; but it is so visible in Win7 that it is compelling to discuss. Now, Symbolic Links and Junctions have been available since when, Win NT ? They are actually a very handy facility, for those of us that know about them. (See MKLINK at the DOS prompt). But MS has never really made the information generally available, nor has it been made accessible through the GUI. Why not? Clearly, it would be difficult to explain the concept to a typical user (absolutely no sneer intended). A typical user, who, apparently MS feels should be shielded from viewing the Directory-Tree in Windows Explorer.

And now comes the annoying irony. In Win7, Libraries have been forced on everybody. I don't think anything has changed: Typical users will still be lost to the concept. More advanced users still receive no formal documentation or GUI access to MKLINK. So, everybody is inconvenienced by this quantum-leap in UI.

And 97% of the users will just not mention it...

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Fri, 23 Jan 2009 08:24:58 Z

I like Windows 7. However why did MS got rid of CUT, PASTE, DELETE, UP etc buttons from Explorer ?? These are the most useful things in a File manager. I want to accomplish a simple thing like that with one mouse click not navigating thru a menu or using the Keyboard.

I just dont get it....

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Fri, 23 Jan 2009 09:06:44 Z

So far the only thing I don't like about the UI is the amount of space it wastes. I'm not talking about Aero (which I've always liked). I'm talking about how a lot of windows contain too much white space. I actually thought that Vista's UI struck a great balance of eye candy and a pleasing amount of information density, but the large plain white panes in Windows 7 are kind of ugly, despite being nestled inside the pretty Aero borders.

Primary offender is the Explorer navigation pane. Vista's nav pane was great, but the new pane's use of collapsible categories makes it take up more vertical and horizontal room. (There's no need for a separate Favorites category... if it's in the nav pane, it's a Favorite. But that's another topic.) A few other windows present the illusion of wasted space: open up the Notification Area Icons window and stretch it vertically so you can see it better. Then close it and open up the Network and Sharing Center window. The windows apparently share a common set of dimensions, so the Network and Sharing Center will open with a vast barren desert of white inside its borders.

tl;dr version: Tighten up the windows in general. Try to hit a sweet spot of "pleasingly information-dense."

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Fri, 23 Jan 2009 11:18:31 Z

I upgraded to Windows 7 Beta 1 Build 7000 from a Vista 64 bit system. The first problem I had was I lost my Blu-ray drive. After looking for a solution on forums, I recovered that. Then I noticed that the Documents / Music / Pictures links on the Start Menu did not function, and there was not an easy way to specify the default folder. In Vista I had changed the default to my second or third hard drives. Then I noticed that Publisher 2007 crashed every time I cut a picture. Then Word and Excel started crashing.

I like a lot of things about Windows 7, so I thought I would give it another shot. I installed from the DVD, formatting the C drive and installing clean. Now my only problems are that television programs recorded in Media Center are saved in a WTV format and not editable in Movie Maker Beta or Pinnacle 12. And Hauppauge Win TV does not function, even in compatibility mode, limiting my choices for recording tv and editing out the commercials.

Office 2007 installed great on my clean Win7 install, but FrontPage 2000 is very buggy.

Jon

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Fri, 23 Jan 2009 12:33:16 Z

Hi,

need folder size in the explorer's details pane when a folder is highlighted.

also please include a text tool for the snipping tool so that we can quickly insert comments after taking screenshots.

Thanks.

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Fri, 23 Jan 2009 21:27:06 Z

I personally love windows 7, of course I loved vista when it came out too. Sure it had some bugs but I used it from the time it was RC-1 till it was released for retail, then bought a copy and have been using it ever since. I could never figure out why it had such a bad rap with the general public. I never had any issues with Vista that weren't easily resolved. The only issue I've had with Win7 was I tried to do an upgrade install and IE8 wouldn't connect, so I did a clean install and haven't had anything not work, or any issues at all. LOVE-IT !! I am sure I will purchase a copy when it comes available.

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Fri, 23 Jan 2009 23:48:12 Z

Everytime I boot into Windows 7 I smile without meaning to and feel like the OS is telling me to relax... and I do. Vista on the other hand...

Have Comments about Windows 7 Beta?

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 01:15:42 Z

Fesak: Typing 'cmd' and hitting "enter" does launch cmd.exe. The same apllies to sercives.msc and explorer.exe (You must add the '.exe' to the command for explorer otherwise it launches IE).I, too, am extremely mad at the mouseover event making pinned windows to raise. The forcing of libraries is just, simply put, retarded. I, too, agree with the lack of symbolic links (just make it a right click command and add deletion support) and think that they should be fully integrated into the windows OS including remote shares.

neroman: I guess I had always thought you could add them via the control panel, however that is not possible. However I don't think that most people are greatly affected by it, as most power users know just about every shortcut command possible. Here is a list of known Win7 shortcuts by Brandon Paddock.

arunkshrestha: I agree that File size should be shown AT ALL TIMES in the details pane. Especially for those of us that need to know how big a folder is when burning movies or files onto a CD/DVD

Just get rid of the libraries.

Sir?

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Sat, 24 Jan 2009 01:34:43 Z

I agree. I like everything MS has done with Windows 7. No install issues, first update found every updated driver needed. Its faster, and works well. Every program I installed so far went without a hitch!

There is a major weak point though.....IE8. It constantly crashes. Im trying real hard to give it a go, but you can only take the crashing for so long. MS needs to find out how firefox works without all the crashing and incorporate that!

Overall I like 7 a lot!

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Sat, 24 Jan 2009 04:31:44 Z

IE8 is terrible. Opens at 150%, renders terribly, few icons for my favorites show up, slow loading. And now I see where this version is OLDER than the version in RC1 for Vista/Xp. Comeon MMSFT. Renue loses can pile up fast from a disfuntional and therefore unused IE. Why all the issues with UAC still and also the taskbar and the gadgets. PLEASE make everything simple for the common man. Most of us here are at least some level of geek. Think of everyday Joe

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Sat, 24 Jan 2009 06:39:29 Z

Nice work on windows 7 :) best windows beta ever.

The one feature I would love to see it for the taskbar to be able to extend across multiple monitors. It would also be nice to be able to control different wallpapers for different monitors.

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Sat, 24 Jan 2009 09:09:00 Z

First of All: Windows 7 is great - it´s fast, and the tasbar is 'wow'.

But I´m missing Windows Mail. Windows Mail Live isn´t as good as Windows Mail in my opinion...

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Sat, 24 Jan 2009 18:54:57 Z

Hey Folks...quick question here - I decided to do the upgrade instead of the clean install of Windows 7 - What are the thoughts out there regarding upgrading versus clean install for performance? Just wondering if Vista leftovers would affect the outcome as I am finding it quite "Vista like".

Having said that, so far I really like the product - I have Vista, XP, Leopard and Windows 7 machines running so I am currently comparing the 4 platforms - should be an interesting process.

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Sat, 24 Jan 2009 19:07:43 Z

Have been using Win7 for 10 days now. Very pleased with it to the point that it is the OS that I boot into on an almost regular basis.

I too find that IE8 is somewhat slow and 'chunky' when accessing the web.

The other thing I'd like to suggest is to do away with the double mouse click. Don't know why it has become the default with all versions of Windows, but I have always turned it off and used the single-click option. I don't see any need for double-clicking except to exacerbate my carpel tunnel symptoms.

Just some thoughts.

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Sat, 24 Jan 2009 21:08:05 Z

I'm duly impressed with Windows 7 X64 on several levels.

I'll make this as complete as I can...

Hardware:

The comments below pertain to an Intel DP35DP w/E8400, 4GB RAM, Seagate ST3500320AS, RAID enabled in BIOS to extend inherent AHCI functionality (also "RAID READY" should I need it). 9600GT-OC, 850W supply, Zalman 9500 (9700?), Fang Gamepad, MS Digital Media Pro KB, Sony optical mouse circa 2001 I'd guess, Thermaltake Xaser-1000 case (an oldie but the best there ever was IMHO), Antec MX-1 ESATA enclosure w/1.5TB Seagate ST31500341AS.

The install went perfect twice, once with the blank SATA drive as a single partition (plus the 200MB reserved), then as a partitioned during re-install as ~150GB/350GB, the system also created the reserved partition, in neither case did I have any issues with drive letter changes due to the hidden partition becoming active as other seem to be saying. The ESata drive wasn't added until the Win7 system was fully updated and patched, no problems being recognized, fast as all getout (more below).

I did have an issue where Windows Update failed from control panel, the by now famous "DisableSessions" fix worked perfectly to solve that.

I decided to try the Kaspersky Beta for Win7, it worked fine on the single drive install, but I decided to "get fancy" on the second install and turned off Kaspersky's automatic updating. Well, that broke Kaspersky, I'd get notifications that the databases were out of date, try and do an update, updater completes (after 40 second delay or so) with "no updates required". Turning auto-update seems to have fixed it for now.

I mentioned the ESata was fast, here's the skinny: I used the Seagate DiskWizard (Acronis True Image for OEM) to capture an image. With 50.3 GB to start, 35GB after compression, the image took 6min 30sec, for 89.7MB/sec, and yes that includes the processor and Acronis doing the read/compress/store operations. I'll copy the image back to the second internal partition to see what that bandwidth is one of these days.

Since it's a beta and my job is to try the stuff I'd normally do (and of course some I wouldn't normally do!), I decided to install the original FarCry and the 1.4 patch. Please note, this was a no-brains install, I made no attempt to run compatability mode, just put the disks in and let it rip. I was convinced FarCry was maxed out on my main machine (E6600, WinXP, 7850GT), but the 9600GT and Win7 conspired to crush that impression. I am currently running with literally everything at the absolute max the game offers at 1280x1024 on a SyncMaster 170MP (native resolution) and I NEVER get frame rates below 138 or so, rates typicaly fluctuate between 150-195 while playing. For the guys with SLI and CrossFire this might seem piddling, but the gameplay is so much improved even over my now only "adequate" other system that I've created a newplayer and am having a ball playing it, almost as if new.

OK, so FarCry worked, I thought I'd try something really ridiculous and install Return To Castle Wolfenstein (circa 2001), again, with no compatibility install, just as straight shot. After a somewhat terrifying (and thankful I had just imaged) delay with a dark screen and the CD and hard drives churning away, I was greeted with the install screen after I clicked the left mouse button. Again I cranked everything up graphics-wise, and as would be expected (circa 2001 remember) performed flawlessly. No clue what the resulting fram rate is, but it's WAY up there to be certain.

On to the user interface:

At first I thought the window size and shake stuff sounded stupid. I did. Then I tried it, and was instantly used to it, so much so that after a few hours of use I found myself longing for the same features on my main (XP) machine. GREAT stuff, even if it doesn't represent a milestone in complexity of the code required to achieve it. Simple, nice, it will become a defining element of future releases I'm sure.

The show desktop hotspot is of little use to me right now, I see the major functionality being for quick gadget viewing, but I run no gadgets on this narrow (1280x1024) display. Perhaps a wider monitor will breathe life into the feature for me, but I'm in no hurry to spend coin on a new display just yet.

I tried to capture a drive image using the built in recovery tools, but showing hidden files and folders revealed (or failed to reveal) any content in the created folders. It really doesn't matter, Microsoft's "image" is hopelessly stupid (pardon my use of the unabashed truth) only allowing complete images when it thinks you deserve it, bah, just junk IMHO, and it still has me miffed I bought Vista Ultimate JUST FOR MS SANCTIONED IMAGING! (BTW, I never had ONE SINGLE issue with Vista Ultimate, just blessed I guess?)

IE8 is working well, but I haven't really tried any of the new features to any extent. I use it exactly as I would IE7, bunches of tabs open, constantly using "open in new tab" and all the rest of the now generic stuff. As time permits I'll "tickle" the new features and see if I find them as intuitive and useful as size and shake.

Just for kicks I dug out every thumbdrive I could find and all were installed and readable without any hitches of any kind, and some of these I had occassional issues with on my XP machines. The Fang Gamepad install was simple, I went the website, downloaded the latest Vista driver. I plugged in (USB) the pad, wait for enumeration, install the software, runs perfect. I might have been requested to reboot to complete the install, I don't recall...

As I type this on my main machine, the Windows 7 machine is playing from my MP3 library. For the second time since installation, Media Player "paused" or hung at the transition between two tracks. Almost as if you had hit the pause/run button, but the button face doesn't toggle to indicate the change. All it takes is to "really" pause it, then click the resulting play arrow to resume. These two hiccups occurred on different "albums" so it shouldn't be a file anomaly causing this.

So far, Windows 7 seems like a great OS, I can only hope MS is able to recover from the Vista debacle and actually pick themselves up, dust off, and forge ahead without comitting some sort of lunacy that will damage Win7 in some way. I guess I'm thinking of oppressive DRM type stuff, or other stuff that would cripple the release or the user in some way that would cause a mass exodus to the crappy MAC platform. I see Win7 as a chance for MS to recover a badly damaged reputation, I pray they have the wisdom to not destroy this opportunity!

DAS

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Sat, 24 Jan 2009 23:05:18 Z

Although I am really, really enjoying Windows 7 beta, I have to admit that the notification icon for wired networks is horrible. It looks like a pitch fork next to a monitor instead of an Ethernet cable. In addition, it no longer supports animation informing the user about inbound and outbound traffic. With most other visual elements being nice and pretty, this one is a major FAIL. :)

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Sun, 25 Jan 2009 02:59:06 Z

So far I'm pretty happy with Windows 7. Coming from XP Pro 32 bit to Win 7 64 bit is a bit of a change. (Sorry, couldn't resist the pun.) I only have 2.5 GB RAM so it's a little slow at times but more RAM is on order. I've only had one application that didn't work (an old free version of PGP). So far I've installed:

Logitech Mouse and Keyboard Settings (MX1000)

Trillian

Mozilla Firefox

Rocio Creator 2009 Ultimate

Zune

Photoshop CS4 (upgrade from CS2)

GnuPG

I've even used the computer management / disk management tools to delete a volume/partition and extend the boot volume/partition and create a new volume/partition on the remainder of the physical drive.

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Sun, 25 Jan 2009 04:51:13 Z

I've been trying to use CLASSIC VIEW ever since I downloaded and activated the 7000 Beta Build.

However, it seems that a lot of the options for that Classic View are not in place.

For instance - the Start Menu - which even reverted back to a real Classic View in Vista - no longer does.

Themes (under Display Properties > Themes Tab) should be able to be chosen that match previous Classic Views.

Windows And Buttons (under Display Properties > Appearance Tab) should as well.

Color Scheme (under Display Properties > Appearance Tab) should have both "Windows Standard" and "Windows Classic" options. I'm talking the true "grey" color like in Windows 2000 Pro, not the sort of off-sand looking color that Windows Standard has. The Windows Classic Color Scheme is a must-add, imo. Please do not drop it. Please make it available so we can have a true classic mode.

I would greatly appreciate it if these options were still made available to users.

It is particularly helpful for Laptop Installations and machines with shared video / system memory.

Please consider this request. New Features, Themes and Interface options are a great thing - as long as you do not TAKE AWAY those that were already there.

Guess that's the best I can do on this request.

Thank you for listening, and thank you for allowing users to participate like this. I really want Windows 7 to be as good as Windows 2000 Professional when it comes to business, and at least as good as XP when it comes to home use.

Best wishes,

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Sun, 25 Jan 2009 05:43:13 Z

I like the Previous Versions feature in Vista and Windows 7 (also known as the Volume Snapshot Service, VSS) but I would like to see it work more like Mac OS X's Time Machine, and allow the snapshots to be backed up to an external drive or NAS instead of backing it up to the same volume. In its current incarnation, saving it to the same volume kind of defeats the safe backup purpose and is a bit redundant to the Recycle Bin. Also it occupies a lot disk space. If it would allow to easily backup to an external device it would greatly improve its functionality.

And yes, I know that there are backup tools incorporated into 7, but I really would like to see the automated versioning backup to external drives that is available to Mac OS X to be integrated into Windows 7 (without the gaudy interface of course). And it probably would be a simple feature to add, just a configuration frontend and slight tweaks to the VSS service.

Only my two-cents

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Sun, 25 Jan 2009 05:52:07 Z

This is interesting.

When viewing pictures or files from Windows Explorer’s Libraries, a right-click yields a very large contextual menu. The column to the left of the text seems to be over sized.

Now, here is where I believe it is a bug. When the images or files were accessed via the Libraries, the oversized menu appears. When accessing the same images or files from the folder structure under “Computer,” the normal sized menu appears.

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Sun, 25 Jan 2009 06:39:17 Z

Feature Request: Expose Functionality (or something similar)

Since Windows now makes use of GPU power to accomplish desktop compositing, having Expose like features would really be nice. It could be invoked by moving the mouse arrow to the upper right corner or wherever the user dictates via a setable option.

A keyboard shortcut such as <Windows><shift><up arrow> could invoke the interface. Then as the mouse moves over each application, its window would swell to show it has the present focus.

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Sun, 25 Jan 2009 06:39:56 Z

A lot of people say that Windows 7 is what Windows Vista should have been but I feel that if Microsoft hadn't released Windows Vista, they wouldn't have known the issues which are fixed in Windows 7. I love the superbar!

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Sun, 25 Jan 2009 14:56:28 Z

OK, here is my wishlist for Productivity Improvements in Win7

#1 Let me choose what I feel are my most frequently used folders in Windows Explorers. I want to be able to name and pin MY choices there. Your choices (Microsoft) are a moving target. Musical chairs. If I want your favorite folder suggestions, I'll ask.

#2 Give me the ability to edit and manage the Explorer context extensions. I mean the R-Click menus, which grow new entries with every application I install. Haven't you yet noticed that when you install a program like GZIP, you end up with like 5 new R-Click entries to do everything from Archive to Zip? It just gets out of control, and you (Microsoft) are not letting us manage this mess.

#3 Ditto regarding the Open With shell extensions. Once you change anything in there, it's there for the life of the computer. C'mon, you've got to give us the ability to manage this.

#4 Start Menu simplification: Look, in Vista, you provide Start Menu>Properties>Customize>Number of Recently Used Programs to Display with the option to select 0 (zero). Now, if we unpin everything from Start Menu, and also select ZERO recently-used-programs, just what do you think we mean? No, we do not want a meaninglessly empty-white Start Menu with just All Programs dangling at the bottom. That's stupid. With this zero setting, the All Programs string should disappear altogether, and everything in the Start Menu>Programs folder should appear in the popup Start menu. Nothing else. Simple. Get it?

#5 Get rid of all the random, unimplemented, pointless stuff on Explorers' taskbars. It's just a confusing eyesore that interferes with productivity.

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Sun, 25 Jan 2009 15:12:43 Z

I still prefer the "Save As" dialog box style that exists in XP versus the one in Vista / Win 7. The XP style seems so efficient and clean looking. The list-boxes and buttons are aligned, the icons on the left are simple / static so you know they'll always be right there. From the top list box in the XP style, you can click to get a directory tree for navigation. It has an "Up Level" button as well, and does not force column headers on you.

The "Green Bar" in Vista / Win 7 is not only annoying because of its gradient shaded bubble / bulge look, but I can't turn it off, which is pretty annoying. I don't like the "Dual Purpose" concept for the left side in comparison to the static "buttons" of XP. The XP dialog doesn't have redundancies. With the new dialog, you can toggle the "FOLDER" item so that in one state it shows the folders and in the other state it shows the "Favorite Links" header. And if that dual purpose thing wasn't annoying / confusing enough, the physical location on the screen of the FOLDERS toggle MOVES from the top to the bottom. If I want to toggle, I have to click near the Top of the dialog, then after a toggle, I have to go near the Bottom of that same dialog.

I really wish that the "Green Bar" could be turned off. It is incredibly annoying not to be able to customize the dialog. Between that Green Bar and the Column Headers, it's eating up much more real-estate than before, and having things out of alignment just looks "Sloppy", you know?

I'm probably not articulating this as well as I could. But to bottom line it - look how sleek and simple and efficient the XP dialog is and how "Busy" and "Bulky" the Vista / Win 7 dialog is. Again. If you would just let us TURN OFF / DISABLE the elements of the new dialog style, it might not be so bad, but we do not have that ability. It's incredibly frustrating. I don't want gradient eye-candy and a clunky, non-aligned interface. I simply want to be able to have the original XP style as an OPTION. It doesn't have to be the default, but just like the Classic Start Menu, if I could just toggle the style back to the one I'm used to, I'd be pretty happy about that.

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Sun, 25 Jan 2009 15:52:46 Z

Hey,

I just installed windows 7 beta. It performs very well on my dell e1505 laptop. So well done. Since I saw that quite a lot of things have improved (a good shell, calculator has a lot more features and the interface doesn't annoy me a lot with popups or notifications). I was wondering if notepad would also be improved by supporting unix newline characters. When I open a file with these kind of characters everything is displayed on one line, this time even without the rectangular symbols to show where a line ends.

It would be nice to have this feature so I don't have to install an extra editor just to read and make small edits to these files.

Kind regards,

Ben

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Sun, 25 Jan 2009 17:51:17 Z

Hey,

Maybe this is a minor detail, but I was just testing Microsoft Anna (The new text to speech voice) and found that it seems to have some difficulties with the word live. As in (live performance vs. to live).When I just enter the word it pronounces it as the first case, also when performance is added, it is pronounced correctly, but when you add a in front of performance (as in : 'A live performance') it pronounces it as the 'to live' pronunciation. Also the sentence 'performed live at wembley Stadium' is pronounced incorrectly.

The mistake is also made the other way around. For example, in the question 'where do you live ?' it is pronounced as live in 'live performance'.

Apart from these mistakes it seems to work a lot better then the old Microsoft Sam. So well done.

Regards,

Ben

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Sun, 25 Jan 2009 18:13:49 Z

Hi I have beta tested alot of things and IMHO this is the most stable beta I have worked with to date. I have thies installed as a dual boot on a thinkpad x61 with Vista 32 Ultimate and it seems much faster, the Biometrics work fine, sync with Windows Mobile Device works fine. One thing i noticed (this has probably been noted already) when broswing wit IE 8, sometimes the Task Bar starts visually jittering, this happens intermittantly so it may be somethng in a website that triggers the issue.

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Sun, 25 Jan 2009 19:24:54 Z

Put simply, Windows 7 has raised my hopes about Microsoft once again. I was an avid windows XP user, thought it was a great OS, stable and efficient. Then vista came out and in my personal opinion, one of the worst operating systems I've ever used. I found it rather unstable, it flickered way too much for my taste, and yes even though you COULD disable the UAC, you'd still get another alert saying "OMG YOUR UAC IS DISABLED TURN IT ON OR YOU'LL GET HACKED!" (complete over-exageration of course.)

I've found windows 7 to be much more stable and the boot time is so much quicker. The only problems I've had with windows 7 so far are:

1. When my CPU useage is 80% or higher, my laptop'll randomly hibernate, its just a matter of time on.

2. When my computer does standby/hibernate in W7 and then awaken, I get no internet connectivity. I've got an Atheros wireless network adapter, and once its awake it either says "verifying connection" or "limited or no connectivity".

So i hope those issues are addressed here soon in the next few updates, but other than that I'm largely impressed with windows 7 and can't wait for it's release.

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Sun, 25 Jan 2009 20:54:44 Z

I got tired of waiting for Vista to boot up and shut down, so I've just finished setting up Windows 7 on my Acer Aspire 5310 laptop. I can only applaud the quality of the beta once again as it managed to install every single device, including my wired and wireless network adapters. I was able to log in to my WPA2 wireless before the installer was even completely finished! On top of that the laptop boots up and shuts down within 30 seconds as opposed to the 2 or 3 minutes it took on Vista.

CPU: Intel Celeron M 520 (1.6 Ghz, 533 Mhz FSB, 1 MB L2 cache)
HD: Toshiba 80 GB
Graphics: Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950
Memory: 1 GB DDR 2
O/S: Windows 7 32-bits

Running it on full visual details is asking just a bit too much of the on-board graphics accelerator, but tweaking it down a bit or reverting to the Windows Classic theme makes it run like a dream again. It's highly responsive, loads programs in a flash and completely destroys the Vista installation that still disgraced the system the day before! It consumes about 50% less of my system resources and even my WEI score has gone up with approximately 50%.

Running Vista and you have a spare partition, system or laptop catching dust somewhere? Install Windows 7. Do it. Now. Your mother would be proud of you.

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Sun, 25 Jan 2009 21:58:07 Z

Cameron. said:

Fesak: Typing 'cmd' and hitting "enter" does launch cmd.exe. The same apllies to sercives.msc and explorer.exe (You must add the '.exe' to the command for explorer otherwise it launches IE).

Maybe it was just glitched on me from the beginning, but nothing I typed into the run/search box to run worked. I dont have it installed anymore, might make a virtual system later.

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Sun, 25 Jan 2009 22:03:23 Z

egads said:

That sounds like a return to the Classic style Start Menu, which is doubtful to happen. I prefer the new system, but like most things I also prefer having the option to go back unless it is a system critical change, or a change to the fundamental underlayings. Something like this though should still be optional.

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Sun, 25 Jan 2009 23:13:04 Z

Sorry if this is a doublepost; I've posted elsewhere and was told to post here so that the development team might catch wind of this.

Folks....

One of the things that has bugged/plagued me for the past several years is when you are hard at work on something, and a "pop up" box appears and steals focus. This is both annoying and dangerous. I'm not referring to an IE pop up, but any windows/app "event" that pops up. Common example; I'm racing a deadline to complete a document and typing furiously away when all of a sudden an Outlook reminder will "pop up" and take the focus from what I'm doing and in some really bad cases actually accept my keystrokes that were meant for the app I WAS working on and use them to perform an action for the pop up box that has just appeared! Maybe I just dismissed an important reminder, or worse!

How I think this could work better.......

Perhaps a setting could be set in Windows (user can select - either keep the current behavior or use this new behavior) that when a pop up occurs it is translucent and will NOT steal focus from the current application; but it won't go away either. So in my example above, let's say I'm furiously working away at an MS Word document and an Outlook reminder "pops up". None of my keystrokes will be taken away from the app I'm currently working on, but I'll see the translucent window pop up and can then decide to act on it ....or not. There would need to be some way of then choosing the window for focus; perhaps by right-clicking and choosing which window beneath my mouse should have focus.

I don't know if I've ever heard anyone talk about this before, but I can't be the only person this has ever bugged! Plus....that would be a "cool" feature; a translucent window that is advising you of something and readable, but yet you can still see you main work through it....and most importanly...DOES NOT STEAL THE FOCUS!

I haven't seen anything in Win 7 yet that makes me think this behavior has changed...has it?

Thanks!”

Todd

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Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:01:34 Z

Theming issues -

I really like the way Win7 looks. I've set it up with a black background and the Slate color for the Aero glass. Looks great. The problem is that many programs do not look at the new theming styles and instead are looking at what must be the old WinXP styles for figuring out how to display.

What happens is that Outlook 2003 comes up with my nice black Aero glass, but horrible bright baby blue menu and status bars. It really looks ugly. The default look of Firefox also does this and makes its menu bars based on this baby blue as well. The Google bar that I added to IE8 is baby blue, and so is the standar tab bar.

Even Explorer.exe itself has this problem, making its menu bar bright blue no matter what the color of the Aero glass. Try setting your Aero glass to a red color and look at how ugly those two go together.

On top of this, Win7 has taken away the ability to fix some of these issues by hand. In the panel where you set the Aero glass color, there is an advanced menu which is really the same as the Advanced Appearance panel found in WinXP. So I tried copying all the settings from my WinXP box which uses the Zune theme, but these settings apparently have no effect on anything unless you are running the old crusty classic view. (Except the crazy part is, if you change the Active Title Bar size, it actually *DOES* affect the Aero glass border settings!)

Please, you must make these older color settings available to power users in a nice panel.

Thank you.

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Mon, 26 Jan 2009 01:40:51 Z

Not sure if this is the right place to post this

Suggestions/Comments on Windows 7 Beta

Fix the Show Desktop Button--allow the user to decide where to put it and add an icon to the button (it almost looks camouflaged the way it is now since it is just shaded a slightly different color)
don't put out a bunch of different versions of windows 7; instead have one installation and allow the user to decide what features to install you could have some predefined versions to choose from on the installation ex. home premium, basic, business, ultimate, or let the user decide (mix and match--that way the user gets what they need not necessarily what comes prepackaged); or else only put out 2 or 3 different versions

i apologize if these have already come up

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Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:10:52 Z

Fesak said:

egads said:

Maybe I emphasized the wrong point. I'll clarify:

I don't think Microsoft intends for us to use StartMenu as-is, the way it's delivered. No way. It looks like they just primed it with stuff to get it started. I'm pretty sure they expect us to customize it with urgency upon first bootup. And so it is a ritual for many of us. I've done this grubby chore plenty of times, haven't you? It occurs to me, I can't help but wonder, what might happen if I just make a single folder in there that contains shortcuts to every single program on the computer. You know, just do it one way, once-and-for-all. I mean, what is StartMenu anyway? It's just an anchored place to launch programs, right?

Seems like a good idea. Just one folder in StartMenu. Every program shortcut inside it. Why not? Well, it wouldn't be quite as fast, convenient or pretty for frequently launched programs. But for lesser used programs, it would actually be a lot faster. You wouldn't need to fumble for them beneath All Programs.

All-in-all, I think Vista's and Win7's StartMenu implementation is just fine. The problem's with what Microsoft dumped into it.

But the fact that you might consider reducing it down, and Microsoft has apparently made provisions to do so, and then you waste time trying, to again find it can't really be done because the damn thing is misimplemented/broken, well, that just sets me off. It's just the typical Microsoft Way of doing things.

In the 5 items I listed, they are all suggestions about things that are shabbily incomplete and impede productivity. I have wasted uncountable hours monkeying with those things. So when Microsoft advertises the Productivity Improvements in Win7, I am incensed by their deceitful euphemism. No, they just found ways to distract attention from stuff that needs work. I didn't mention it in the list, but the new Explorer theme with Library and Favorite categories, that's not innovation. That's just a peephole into the filesystem which has become such a disorganized mess that it cannot be maneuvered. Rather than improve it, Microsoft has instead restricted its view. Heck, you can hardly get at the directory-tree anymore. And not only does that categorization seem sneeringly condescending, it in fact is an inconsistent usage of the IE term Favorite that is bound to confuse novice users.

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Mon, 26 Jan 2009 03:46:51 Z

Feature Request:

I would like to see the local time and date to the logon screen. It would be nice to be able to see the current date and time on a machine that is idle at the logon screen. Example shown below.

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Mon, 26 Jan 2009 04:17:20 Z

The first time i installed Windows 7 Beta, I was astonished that it worked so well. I liked the new features but had a little problem connecting to my VPN. I reinstalled Vista but had some preformance issues so reinstalled W7. This time I encountered several problems. But was so pleased with the the troubleshooting that seemed to fix each problem. In less than 2 hours everything seems to be working well. I too am surprised that this Beta works so well. The developement team is doing a great job.

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Mon, 26 Jan 2009 06:21:55 Z

I like win 7, but I guess I should try 64-bit systems, especially for windows 7 server.

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Mon, 26 Jan 2009 12:20:19 Z

To be honest Win7 and Vista are pretty much the same thing (both are still useless)

I have moved from XP to Linux and Mac (as i think Vista was a huge failure, I did over 5000 Vista to XP downgrades) and see no reason to move back to Windows. I really hope that the final build will be something that will make me move back to windows as i really loved XP.

Anyhow i will continue to test Win7 (as it is a vast improvement to Vista) but Win7 still does not blow me away as XP did for most people when it came out.

P.S. anyways gonna be critics

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Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:41:26 Z

Hello,

I think that this OS upgrade would be an excellent opportunity to provide us with a method to pin some special folders to the start menu.

Currently we can have folders such as music, pictures, documents, etc. pinned to the start menu through the customize start menu options where we select, using radio buttons, what we want to see on the start menu.

Curiously "downloads" has never been an option, and i would argue that this folder is accessed way more than some of the other folders that we can pin to the menu, in fact i never even go into my pictures or music folder since programs like picasa, itunes, windows media player, etc. are used to manage the contents of those folders anyway.

I have searched the web to find a way to add my frequently used "downloads" folder to the start menu, and although i have found tons of people who want to do it, i have yet to find a good way of doing so.

i think with the increase in web usage and downloading these days that the downloads folder should rise to the ranks of those folders that can live on the start menu (as supported by the OS and not by hacks or strange shortcuts that don't put the folder beside the rest of the pinned folders).

thanks!!!

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Mon, 26 Jan 2009 13:47:19 Z

Fesak said:

Cameron. said:

Fesak: Typing 'cmd' and hitting "enter" does launch cmd.exe. The same apllies to sercives.msc and explorer.exe (You must add the '.exe' to the command for explorer otherwise it launches IE).

Maybe it was just glitched on me from the beginning, but nothing I typed into the run/search box to run worked. I dont have it installed anymore, might make a virtual system later.

Don't agree: type cmd in the "search programs and files" will start cmd.exe. [W]R -> cmd will run cmd.exe

There is no real problem.

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Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:36:15 Z

Downloaded and installed Win 7 Beta four days ago. Ya got it right, Microsoft. My Vista-powered HP laptop made me age at an abnormally high rate waiting for it to boot up and connect to a wireless network. Win 7 does it literallly in 1/4 the time. Absolutely no crashes--I did have to install it a second time because of corrupt files but that was operator error.

I run a lot of Nikon photo processing software. Capture NX2 processa photo in probably half the time running Win 7, compared to Vista on the same machine.

My thought is Microsoft nor the national economy can afford to keep Win 7 on the shelf until the end of the year. The word is already on the street on how much better Win 7 is and NOBODY -- at least no computer savvy person--is going to buy a new computer until they can get it with Win 7. And I would guess t6here will be a real buying frenzy when Win 7 is available.

I know it won't happen but I really feel Microsoft owes Vista owners some sort of special discount on a Win 7 upgrade. Vista is the Win ME of the 21st century and is, in many ways, responsible for some of the recent high tech slump. People don't buy new gear when the dislike the crippled OS that they are REQUIRED to buy as part of the package.

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Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:51:37 Z

Matt Emmott said:

When I installed Win 7 it identified my wireless modem and asked for the password. When it got that info it immediately identified my HP wireless 7280 printer, connected with it and loaded the proper driver.

With Vista it was sometime a minute or more after the desktop appeared before my HP laptop would do anything because I had to wait for it to make wireless connection. Win 7 is connected wireless the instant the desktop appears -- and booting to the deskto takes half the time.

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Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:07:33 Z

kr4ey said:

If you only had it installed for an hour you can't really know anything about it.

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Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:22:27 Z

Tonywhalley said:

You must have got a different Beta download than I did because mine is running fast and with no problems on a year-old HP laptop. Did have to manually install the Vista video drivers but otherwise Win 7 is an absolute delight after dealing with Vista.

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Mon, 26 Jan 2009 18:45:01 Z

Hi there,

Overall I think it's a pretty fine beta, so far pretty much everything works as it should. But I do have few gripes which I read I'm not alone with.

First, the Go Up button in Explorer. Seriously, whom was it bothering that they decided to get rid of it. Probably most useful thing. I get it, the clickable address bar is somewhat useful, that is unless you begin lacking space, plus it was just so much easier to go up a level or few without getting a carpal tunnel. Put the darn thing back in.

What happened to Invert Selection - was that also found offensive?

The search, or I should probably say The Search, as for some reason it seems to be a pivotal computing concept that doesn't even work as it should. Now I don't do a lot of searching, and frankly, I'm at a loss of what could people be constantly searching for, but Ok. Problem is that I can't really search anymore. First the thing starts grinding away as soon as I send the first keystroke (I'm not done yet you stupid cow!!!), and then to actually get something I want to find takes ages to execute fully - and then I don't get it even. I hate to be one "resisting change" but really, when I do search I want to search. Pop a dialog so that I can specify rigid or lax criteria, press a button and go fetch. Instead there is this stupid interactive, contextual thingamajig that only results in adding gray hair to my head. I can't specify whether I want to look for a filename or text inside, file attributes, size, and where to look. I either get 2 million results or none at all. Not to mention there is a serious problem there somewhere, and if one does something too abrupt explorer.exe begins to eat memory until in my case reaches ~1.5GB and of course everything crashes. It is probably single most retarded thing in the entire system and is good for no more than wasting time. If they're so hell bent on it fine, but give those of us that actually use it to search for things, a tool to do so. I'd be willing to press a button to get there and it doesn't even have to be cute or smarter than the average bear - as a matter of fact I would prefer it wasn't.

I like the new taskbar, the pinup, previews, Aero-peek, the lot. Really cool and useful to boot. A bit too much space wasted for icons but whatever. What would be nice, is to be able to pin shortcuts to pinned shortcuts in the taskbar. From what I can tell you can only do that with the Explorer pinup for folder pointers and that really is too bad. I think it would extend the usability of the taskbar event further. At least for people like me who like to keep their desktop iconless yet still be very organized and efficient with clicking ( personally I find the Start Menu way too messy and all but useless whether 2k, XP or Vista/7 style).

Somebody before mentioned XP style Save dialog and I couldn't agree more. With the whole Favorites, Library, Homegroup...blah blah blah... this thing is so cluttered now. It takes me at least 5 times as long to get where I need to go. And being a developer I Open/Save a lot, so this really will have huge impact on my productivity. XP's one with few set locations wasn't perfect but at least for most common of places it was good enough and one could still drill down on folders if the need be fairly easy.

I'll also echo request to give users (those who care anyways) a better way of controlling what gets piled onto the shell, other than searching for keys and entries in the registry. It's bad enough that a lot of software companies (including MS) feel the need to install everything in that dreaded Program Files folder w/o giving users any choice in the matter, and then everyone treats our desktops, context menus, startup folders/registry keys and shell extensions like their own personal b____. I would like to know what is being done to my system during application install and either be able to prevent it from happening or at least be able to list/disable/remove (cleanly and completely) where appropriate.

Why can't one no longer easily create their own context shell execution entry in file type management list?

Folder/File list filtering and grouping from list header is very cool and I already found it very useful. Would be nice to be able to select filters for headerless views (effectively any other than Detail) though.

I would like to see some decent (detailed) network traffic/Firewall logging of both incoming and outgoing traffic or blocking thereof. Resource Monitor does this only to a very limited extent and is not very useful.

I would like to see a system installation/configuration options tailored towards at least broadly described use of the OS. I realize that the computers' target demographics are no longer limited to geeks and IT professionals, but really I'm tired of spending several days uninstalling, disabling tons of useless YouTube Generation junk or hacking the hell out of the system. Let's at least split it in 2 - for those who'd rather have everything and have to remove things they have no need for and those who'd rather stick to the core and install something if it was not in.

And last but not least, since Vista/7 seems to be all about eye-candy I find this little thing very annoying. All icons that do not define 256x256 format will be displayed as 32px max in framed thumb in sized icon folder/file view despite the fact that a 128x128 format is present - plenty to work with up to that size (and above frankly). Instead they look like the oddballs that they are among icons with Vista format inside.

Nothing to do with 7 directly but no less, I would like for all system available MMC windows to finally remember their damn location, size and arrangement. Some do, most don't and it is a huge PITA.

Overall though, I'm rather liking this OS so far. I gladly skipped on the whole Vista thing and I'm hoping this one will actually be an upgrade to XP which I am by now very, very accustomed to.

Cheers
Adam,

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Mon, 26 Jan 2009 19:08:49 Z

Re: Zorki1c

I, too, have been running Vista on an HP Notebook with 802.11 AIO printer for about a year. Works fine. Vista boots fine, even with the printer turned off.

Yes, I mean turned off. That's where HP CUE Service hangs-up (or crashes) and delays bootup for a minute or two or more. You can see it in Event Viewer. I solved that by changing the Service startup option to Automatic-Delayed. Hint. Hint.

I also got rid of HP QuickPlay, HP PhotoSmart Essentials, HP Digital Imaging Monitor, and hpqTOASTER.exe (which was burning up my cpu and crashing my video). Are you still running those things with your Win7 installation, Zorki1c? I imagine not.

Oh yes, and also the Atheros wireless card with that HP-driver dated 11/07. Replaced it with HP's Broadcom wireless with MS-supplied driver. Since then, I have no problems connecting back-and-forth between my printer's Adhoc connection and my building's Infrastructure network. See the pattern yet, Zorki1c?

So while HP was blaming and badmouthing Vista all the way, I ultimately fixed all these things by dumping HP stuff.

Check Win7 Event Viewer after each boot and see how many red ! you get.

Still feeling so smug, Zorki1c?

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Tue, 27 Jan 2009 00:55:52 Z

I found the UAC in Vista very annoying - almost developed a complex in that my computer kept thinking I was an absolute idiot!

The new UAC in Windows 7 is much better, providing more choice over how it works. However, when I turned it off totally (ie. the Never Notify setting), I noticed that the gadgets on my desktop no longer appeared, and nothing would appear when right clicking on the desktop and selecting Gadgets from the short cut menu

Please fix this for us!

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Tue, 27 Jan 2009 01:27:27 Z

7 is what Microsoft needed to bring us apostates back into the fold. With the release of Vista I went to Linux and liked what I found. Many distros run on older hardware and there is plenty of eye candy available with the likes of Compiz, transparency, desktop cube, wobbly windows, and a lot more. I am running 7 on a dual core system with 1.5 gigs of RAM, but using on board graphics at the moment, may just invest in a GPU now. IE 8 is a bit of a stretch but functions adequately, and FF runs well. Like WMP 12 now that I've found the little white box in the now playing section to view and change the equalizer, TruBass, and SRSWOW effects settings. Never thought I would use desktop gagets but have three of them up all the time now. And what with the team in Redmond deciding I could beta test, well I must say I am impressed. Will definately want to purchase a new desktop when 7 is released. Hope this economy is coming around by then...

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Tue, 27 Jan 2009 07:51:35 Z

Memory management seems an issue with Win7. There is too much memory allocated/dedicated to hardware, which is odd because there isn't much hardware that needs memory.

I have 8 Gig installed, Win7 sees it but allocated over 4Gig to hardware, leaving the rest for my applications. That's not enough.

This is a big problem because running the any heavy apps like Photoshop 64bit or video editing programs isn't any faster or more stable than running them on my 32bit XP with 4 Gig (yeah, 3.25) memory. That's not how it's supposed to be, right?

We need to be able to manually allocate where the memory goes. I'd force most memory to my Photoshop, editing programs etc., and other work applications, leaving Win7 only with what it absolutely needs.

By the way, even disabling Aero doesn't help all that much here, just a tiny bit. It also doesn't say for WHAT hardware all this memory is allocated. There's no printers, external drives, or anything else.

So, if Microsoft really cannot make it so that we can manually allocate memory to where we need it, how about listing exactly what device/hardware/software is taking up how much memory (active or passive), and then letting us shut off what we don't need.

I know there is something similar possible with the new extended Task Manager but that doesn't really work for finding out what inactive hardware all this memory is reserved for.

Thanks

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Tue, 27 Jan 2009 07:55:04 Z

Really sorry to hear about all your problems, could it be that the download got corrupted?

Because frankly for me and from what I understand for pretty much most others this beta is pretty great.

Personally I've had less issues from the get go than with XP. Everything truly worked right away, including internet, all hardware, and so forth.

That's for both the 32 bit and the 64 bit version by the way.

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Tue, 27 Jan 2009 14:46:15 Z

Hi All...

I am testing Windows7 on My Home PC. I am an XP user, not very satisfied with VISTA so decided not to choose the VISTA upgrade.

I am not any fancy gamer, using PC@home mainly browsing, simple editing, kids use lots of on-line edu programes and lots of school curriculum programms.

It was a Clean install for me, decent I must say had no issue related HW and peripherals my FUJI-Xerox LP and Epson RX510 all installed as I wanted, chose the driver comes with OS.

My creative Live Web! cam, wonder why, need a manual driver update, chose the vista drivers though, same thing goes with the SMB controller and Co-processor needed manual driver update downloaded from MSI.

Disable and Windows Defender and related MS based security stuff including firewall; I choose to Install Norton Internet Security... So far so good... atleast for me... :-)

Install OpenOffice... (sorry guys... for my kind of editing ... OO3 is more than enogh.. MS Office kind of you know why... )

Install FF3 and SAFARI... both working okey..

IE8 / FF my browser of choice in W7...

I am still messing around with W7... though the occasional hanging, mostly with explorer and WM player... not able to kill the process... try to restart... waiting on the "Shuting Down..." every time forcing me to reach out for my magic button... ( atleast once in a day for me - I am trying to isolate one by one )

I am waiting for every MS updates and tips and tricks from the forums too.,, to stress test it further...

Cheers

I am currently installed on (MSI AMD Athlon 64bit / 2GB / 2* 300GB SATA with NVIDA GForce 7300)

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Tue, 27 Jan 2009 16:31:41 Z

Thank you to Ronnie Vernon for pointing me to this forum topic. I have been having problems with the feedback option in Windows 7 but this forum will do just fine for wanting to send feedback.

I like to type a lot and I like to be as detailed as I can. This is what I am going to be talking about in my post:

My Problems Networking between Windows 7 and Windows XP Media Edition
How I was able to solve my problem
What I think Microsoft should do to prevent this problem with other users

--------------------
1. This was my problem as posted on the forums. I had spent hours trying to make it so that I can access the files on my Windows 7 Desktop Secondary HDD from my Windows XP Media Edition laptop.

2. I have changed so many setting such as:

First thing that I tried to do when I finished the installation of Win 7 was to network my computers so that I can share files between one another. My desktop (with win 7) was able to pick up all the computers on the MSHOME WORKGROUP like a pro. However, I cannot go from my laptop and view any of the shared files on my desktop.

What I am trying to access on my desktop from my laptop is my second HHD with all my vids and back up files from my previous installations.

These are the things that I have tried (most of which are what people recommended me to try):

I tried setting up a Homegroup
I killed the homegroup and started to change the WORKGROUP by right clicking my computer
I changed all the "Advanced Sharing Settings" to a more favorable selection (file sharing and no passwords needed)
I changed where it would say Homegroup into Work network
I tried numerous times clicking "Fix a network problem"
I tried turning off the firewalls on both computers
I turned off the UAC
I made sure that the HDD was set to be shared and made all the setting the way that I like them (all access no passwords)

3. What I liked about XP was that I was able to go through the Network wizard and set up all my computers to see each other and has worked since day 1 out of the box and back then, I was no where near as Network knowledgeable as I am now. Also what I liked was that I could have people come up to me and ask me what is wrong with their network and I would tell them to run the wizard to see if that would fix things.

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Tue, 27 Jan 2009 18:14:38 Z

I love it so far, everything is faster and easier to use. I have had a few issues, but what the heck it is a beta edition.

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Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:01:43 Z

To DarkKnightSlayer:

Did you follow the steps from this guy? http://kroycom.com/blog/how-to-join-a-network-workgroup-in-windows-7/

Worked for me, that networking thing drove me crazy too so I feel your pain. :(

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Tue, 27 Jan 2009 19:29:29 Z

Thanks for the info Donuthero. I will use that when I start my new project. I finally got it working but it took a few days and a great smack with a cyber baseball bat... To be honest, I have no clue how it started working, I am just glad that it did. (My New Progect)

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Tue, 27 Jan 2009 20:53:19 Z

Windows 7 Beta 1 Build 7000 is more faster than Windows Vista SP1 and SP2 Beta. I use this build on HP dv6215ea laptop (I use 2GB RAM) with SanDisk Extreme III SDHC 4GB card as ReadyBoost. Windows 7 beta 1 is also more beautiful and easy to use than Vista.

Cheers

Paweł Nyczaj

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Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:26:13 Z

Feature Request:

Please add Filmstrip mode back to the available view options in Windows Explorer similar to how it was exhibited in Windows XP.

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Tue, 27 Jan 2009 23:18:46 Z

Well...

My english is sucks, anyway i hope you guys understand.

First, i like from many features of the windows seven, like the new taskbar, the nice shortcuts, everything!

All the 30 tips of this page is VERY VERY USEFULL.

http://blogs.msdn.com/tims/archive/2009/01/12/the-bumper-list-of-windows-7-secrets.aspx

Only one thing must be made: keep the old settings of the windows vista.

Like:

* The old taskbar, some peoples don't will be like this new one, so let's the user choice! put the both!!! (i like, after a while using :P)

* The live messenger, that tray icon for me is a pain in the ____, btw some users like, so, put the both options (without the trick of compatibility mode)

* The quick bar! omg i miss that, i see a tip for put it again, btw is much more easy maintain the both options too, you like that? put yourself without any tricks!

Understand my concern?

It is not about innovation, it is about change things and not keep the old ones. Some people like the old stuff!

So, please, make an operating system that can be customized by the user, we will love. (at least me :P)

By the way, IE8 is much more stable than the old versions, it's a good think i guess.

[]'s

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Wed, 28 Jan 2009 00:17:19 Z

Hello,

Installed the Windows 7 Beta today, using the lastest build and I must say that I'm very satisfied so far. It was installed on my Asus G1 notebook and I liked the fact that all the drivers were installed automatically instead of using the old school method of downloading each driver from the website then installing then restarting after each install. Installation was quick for Windows 7 and driver and any updates that were available. The speed is quite fast, very comparable to my previous OS, WinXP. I like the UI very much, though very similar to Vista, I must say that I like Windows 7 Beta much much more than Vista. I'm surprised that the computer was able to install my network printer with only a click of a button, while my desktop WinXP 64-bit is having issues.

Well, this is all that I have to say so far. Still getting used to the new Start-up menu and the little minor stuff. I will check back once I install more applications on my computer and see how it runs then.

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Wed, 28 Jan 2009 01:34:35 Z

Installed Beta a few days ago and man have I been having fun with it. I ran Vista for over a year and enjoyed it for what it was, but Windows 7 is much better. Had no problems updating and everything is functioning fine. No crashes to report.

Load time has to be half of what Vista was. It used to take me over 5 minutes to restart, and that was without even updating anything. W7 is lightning fast in comparison.

The new taskbar goes beyond just cosmetic improvements. When you take advantage of jumplists it makes the thing hugely customizable. Right now I can pin jumps to Win Explorer and Control Panel icons, eliminating much of my need for the start menu and system tray (and man is nice that i can clean that stupid tray up!). The peek function is nice, though I wish it worked a little more fluidly than it does now. Also, W7 should include an instant viewer of all windows like my intellimouse allows; it just makes sense.

UAC customizing is welcome. I have it on for some tasks. Honestly just being able to get rid of that frightening gray screen that accompanied the prompts was an improvement.

Compatibility has been only a small issue, and W7 has been able to find solutions to most of them from the start.

Really I can't believe I'm running a beta version right now.

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Wed, 28 Jan 2009 02:08:10 Z

Developers of Windows 7 are presupposing basic familiarity with the internet. This is a false assumption. Many a new computer has been purchased by (or for) someone who is entering the computer world for the first time, just to see the picture that "Cousin Alonzo" has posted on his new website or to get the email pictures someone sent Grandma.

With Windows Mail or Outlook Express included within the OS, one can set up just the email account for Grandma and take the necessary time needed to teach her all the other things she needs to know about internet safety, netiquette and protocol later.

If a baby boomer (those that have the most disposable income, Microsoft...) purchases a new computer with Windows 7 but no on-board email program in the OS, this is just asking for trouble. Microsoft wants to justify leaving the email program out "to make for faster download and install." This logic makes no sense as supposedly, the OS is only downloaded or installed once or twice in the life of the computer. Email will be checked almost daily.

If a user is a geek, he/she is probably already using LINUX anyway.

Developers: Make the system as secure and stable as possible and forget about download/install size. No one chooses an OS for its install speed but for its reliability. Also, don't lose sight of the fact that people do not turn on their computers to interact with the operating system. They turn it on to get work done or play games. The best system is one I DON'T have to think about or change out of the box (like having to download a mail program as soon as the user turns it on for the first time.)

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Wed, 28 Jan 2009 04:09:58 Z

Re: microsoft moving email/photo/movie stuff from installation disk to download from internet

I'm guessing this has something to do with getting around monopoly issues. Microsoft gets hassled with lawsuits any time they included something reasonable for free in their OS. They are accused of bundling and using monopoly power to crush the competition.

In Europe right now, Opera (the browser maker) has brought suit claiming that bundling Internet Explorer is an abuse of monopoly power.

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Wed, 28 Jan 2009 05:18:11 Z

Luna Tick said:

THANK YOU THANK YOU. I've been going nuts trying to figure out what's wrong with my system b/c I don't see anyone else complaining about the search and surely, this CAN'T be how it is, but now I know I'm not alone.

I hate the search system. any time I try to search anything it eats up huge amount of memory, max my CPU. then the explorer window stops responding. I have to kill all explorer.exe processes and restart the shell.

I tried updating sata driver. then uninstalled it. turned off NCQ. chkdsk /f. checked "don't use index". turned off windows search (i.e. indexing) service. no antivirus. finally, ok, I decided to do things its way, went into indexing options, and picked out what I may want to search. it took about 7 hrs to index half a million items, during which time I refrained from using search. finally the search worked.

wait, not so fast! If I try to do a file operation (copy/move/delete) after a search, my cpu hits 100% and stays there several minutes, memory usage shoots up by 1.5G. everything slows to a crawl as my disk grinds away. I'm guessing it's updating the index. eventually memory usage goes back down but one explorer.exe process still maxes out one of my core. after 15 mins of this, I give up and kill it.

I hate this whole indexing thing anyway. you just know the index will get corrupted at some point b/c they have a handy rebuild index button right there. please just let me have the old XP search that actually works and doesn't kill my system. spare me the new supposedly fast indexed search. I'm not google. I like to use my computer for something other than building a search index. I don't need to search content of files as I use a grep tool for that.

and that search box? "make it as simple as you can but no simpler". the search box breaks that maxim. give me an optional search dialog that lets me control the search.

I have a X2 3800+ with 3G ram. should be enough for W7.

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Wed, 28 Jan 2009 06:19:23 Z

I agree, this is exactly why I just have to shrug my shoulders and wring my hands. Who would ship such a thing? Who would not object to this dysfunctional Search function? Yet, practically all I read here are kudos from people blissfully snorting at the Win7 trough. So whatever.

Here's a helpful clue. In Vista (which I reinstalled), you can find a lot more if you first enable viewing Hidden and System files in the Folders options. Search can still take 20 minutes to find obvious things, but at least it will discover, say, FLV files tucked away inside Content.IE5 and its subfolders.

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Wed, 28 Jan 2009 07:40:46 Z

This is finally fun. When those first betas of Vista came out, almost nothing worked from outside suppliers. MS even posted a Antivirus site and when I installed it it would delete VIsta. I ran the programs twice with the same results. My ATI Allinwonder video card had no drivers, and ATI has no plans to release any. Just means I never buy another ATI product. My experience with VIsta Betas was very negative.

WOW here comes WIN7 and everything that has been corrected to work with Vista works with WIN 7. I can find so few complaints I am now telling all my chat friends to jump from XP direct to Win7 when its available. I dont feel its so bloated with unnecessary stuff that it slows down my computer. I sure dont miss the nag screens everytime I try to do anything. My experience so far has been an A +. May be one of few, but congrats to MS for getting this one right.

Amateur Geek

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Wed, 28 Jan 2009 07:58:37 Z

...I really can't tell if you're being sarcastic?

Either way, it was the perfect reply to my posting that immediately precedes it. Perfect.

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Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:21:53 Z

Hi. Jeff, from the Windows Outreach Team, recommended me to bring here a post I wrote some days ago in a Zune forum, regarding Windows 7 and Customization. Here it is:

"Zune Software-like theme for Windows 7?

Ok, so I joined this forum to see if it was possible to start a sort of campaign regarding Windows 7 and customization. I'm a beta tester, really happy so far, and liking the overall feel it has. However, I think it's about time the customization on Windows gets open and official.

We already know how great the interface of the new Zune Software is (I'm referring to the PC program), from the organization to how it looks. To be honest, that was what really moved me to buy a Zune in the first place. It's clean, fresh, modern, and completely unique - it doesn't look like anything else. Since I tried it, I keep hoping Microsoft realizes how well thought it is, and do something to implement it on Windows - and this is where we make our moves.

Now, this isn't coming solely from a Zune user. I'm a customizer, and doing so since I started using Windows. The default theme always get tiresome - sure, the shadows and transparencies do look nice, but after some time of doing actual work, they start getting in the way. That's why I always tend to a plain theme.

For the first time, I'd feel that I can keep the default theme, and be really happy with it (although doing some tweaks, basically some colors of the fonts). If not a default theme, it could be introduced in a kind of Marketplace, where you could download complete custom themes (not how it is right now, where you can just download the default theme with some tweaks -- I'm talking about complete skins, icons, wallpapers, fonts, etc.).

So what are your thoughts? Should we start a campaign? Any ideas? I'd be glad to hear them."

For the people that haven't seen the Zune Software before, I leave this link: http://flickr.com/photos/zune-vs-ipod/2107294890/. I believe its design and uniqueness are so strong that I'm willing to start a campaign - wether Microsoft making a default theme like the Zune Software, or including it in a kind of Customization Marketplace.

I hope Microsoft is listening, and I'd be really glad if they responded me directly. And if anyone wants to be part of this, just speak - would be more than welcomed.

Regards.

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Wed, 28 Jan 2009 15:47:57 Z

I wish folks would stop treating this like the final release! It's a Beta 1. You don't know what's going to be included in the final. There's a lot more to come from what a lot of MVPs and MS insiders have indicated. Try everything out and report any bugs to MS. Let them know what you like and dislike. Let them know what you'd like to see.

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Wed, 28 Jan 2009 16:02:05 Z

Well, if we subtract-out the majority of posts, which are gushing with approval and seem to think this should be the final release,

And we subtract-out the dozen or so that are bitterly pointing out its shortcomings,

Then we seem to be left with only one post. Yours.

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Wed, 28 Jan 2009 19:58:24 Z

@sonnystarks

I think you Sir are 100% correct that when people buy a computer they want to use it not stare at it. But I don't think it should be Microsofts' job on the OS level. There, there's no sight to lose. Cousin Alonso does not buy a computer in the computer parts store and usually does not know OS, Windows7 from sticks and twigs. That is why we have software developers and computer system vendors to take care of such things. And if you are more knowledgeable one who buys one for him, well then you're also knowledgeable enough to set it up including installation of basic functional applications he'd need.

I'm not against MS creating their own software, some of it is really nice and useful, but I am against them cluttering things up for the Grandma Hilda's sake. I don't think she should be excluded from the wonderful world of technology but if MS wants to introduce their own implementation of certain tasks, it should be done either at an optional or completely separate OS install package level.

I also don't want MS's O/S development efforts to concentrate on providing integrated e-mail, browsing, media players, photo processing or what have you for the sake of doing so. It may be convenient for grandma but it is highly inconvenient, counterproductive for people like me who either have no use for such things or have much better alternatives which often enough, prove to create a conflict with the ones supplied by (and not just with) the OS. An Operating System should be just that, an Operating System which creates basic abstraction layer providing common environment, methods of interfacing and communication between applications, devices etc.

Outside, Microsoft preach about design methods, separation of various layers and then turn around completely opposite with "Do as I say, not as I do".

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Wed, 28 Jan 2009 21:12:52 Z

I think one of the main things people have to remember is that this is a beta test of the software. None of us are aware of what will be in the final version of the system. The interface works wonderfully, not a big change from Vista but is polished, it is not the only change though. Many internal changes were made to speed up the system and keep it running smoothly.

MS isnt about creating OS's for techies they are about creating OS's for the standard user and most of the changes made in windows 7 benefit the standard user

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Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:12:01 Z

THIS IS WHAT WINDOWS HAD TO BECOME. I LIKE IT. IT WAS WHAT VISTA WAS TO BE LIKE AND BY GOD THEY HAVE DONE IT WITH 7! AND THIS IS THE BETA VERSION! WOW CANT WAIT FOR THE FINISHED PRODUCT. ALL MY SOFTWARE IS RUNNING ALL DEVICES ARE OPERATING AT THERE FULL CAPABILITY. I LOVE THE ACTION CENTER! MICROSOFT STILL DOMINATES. TIME TO BUY MORE STOCK.

perona

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Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:15:52 Z

Upgrade install went well, so well in fact 2 other employees had to upgrade to try and make it fail, It didn't. Only lost use of the SW C597 aircard. Novatel cards worked. So far working better than expected.

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Wed, 28 Jan 2009 22:42:49 Z

I forgot to add that I'm loving Windows 7 it has an excellent UI and makes access to everything easier. It also eliminates a lot of clutter on my desktop with the new taskbar and the response time is to die for.

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Wed, 28 Jan 2009 23:11:31 Z

To start, this feedback hasn't yet been sent using the feedback tool but it will soon. I need this post up before I send official feedback due to the pretty pictures.

In my time with Windows Vista's and 7's Explorer I've noticed both the Details and Preview Panes to be somewhat non-intuitively designed. Almost as if they were designed specifically for some types of media and not others. The details pane, I'll say, does work equally well for most every file with metadata - I only disagree that it should be placed on the bottom of the window, though I see why it's there. The preview pane, just doesn't work as well as users would hope. The vertical layout works well for documents but falls flat for images and video. To alleviate this, I suggest the Details and Preview Panes be allowed to dock on a second edge of the window, giving the users more control over how they preview each type of media.

Generally, when I want to display many items I make a vertical list - not a horizontal one. Using one in the Details Pane, rather than 3+ columns, would make it more welcoming, appealing, and easier to follow. While the current horizontal pane does have its strengths (compact layout) it also has weaknesses (pre-defined column width), and I feel a vertical pane is still somewhat compact and addresses the (admittedly small) weakness. Not only that, but for images, and possibly music, it could serve as a capable Preview Pane as well.

http://cid-76b00797655744f0.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Windows 7 Feedback/TN|_MDetPane.jpg

Well, all that is fine and dandy but what about the Preview Pane then? The newest Explorer's preview pane simply wasn't made for viewing most images and videos, we could argue up and down but the general consensus is that it doesn't work as well as people would like. One of the major complaints about Vista's and 7's Explorers is the lack of the thumbnails strip. Docking the preview pane to the top of the screen could replicate Windows XP's preview pane easily and provides large thumbnails for wide images.

http://cid-76b00797655744f0.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Windows 7 Feedback/TN|_MPrevPane.jpg

So... don't keep me waiting! What do you think? :-)

Edit: Images showed up in the preview but not in the actual post... hold on...

Edit2: Link to 'em.

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Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:12:22 Z

Personally I've no problem with the Details pane (already useful to me) but I think they both great ideas for implementing those preview and definitely much better than what the Explorer serves up now in terms of media file preview and meta information. I'm not really missing the filmstrip myself but current Preview Pane is next to especially useless for images (and even video) with all that dead space. I also don't know if it's a bug to be addressed or a "feature" but if you set the options to Never Show Thumbs, the Preview displays thumb placeholder as well, lol.

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Thu, 29 Jan 2009 00:59:42 Z

i like the 2nd design, tho both are much better than the current one, which is good for previewing documents but lousy for pics or videos.

what i like to have is an option for mouse hover preview, such as we commonly on the web these days

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Thu, 29 Jan 2009 01:17:28 Z

I know that my name gives me away. I saw the news about the availability of 7 beta for download and thought I would see what it was like. I of course did a clean install. And so far it seems to be a nice piece of work. I have been a good boy, using the feedback links when appropriate. And so far the IE 8 seems to be the thing I find most broken, nothing serious, just little things. One of the more annoying for me is that IE, though it has an Icon on the panel, doesn't have a dock button I can click to minimize. To minimize I have to move the mouse to the little minimize button on the top. Perhaps there's an "Alt +" combo for this I just don't know yet. I guess that's for another thread.

If anybody cares: Shuttle AB60R Mainboard, 2.0 Ghz Celeron, 1 Gig ram, 60 and 40 GB hard drives, the 40 the system hasn't shown me to be there, HP DVD-RW, Sony CD-RW, built into an old Dell XPS P166 box. 250 GB external USB drive. and the usual peripherals.

For me, this has a learning curve, but it's not too bad.

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Thu, 29 Jan 2009 06:42:16 Z

installed easily without fuss

found all drivers -even specialsit one s for my merc stealth keyboard and razer mouse

runs better than win xp 64 or vista 64 for my system

now how much am i going to get back for my copy of vista when they launch win 7- or vista as it should have been

however it will not run games well

bf 2 etc is a stuff up- no ingame communication

evenbalance- punkbuster gives kicks (updated program files etc) tried running as admin etc

any solutions

and is their anyway of giving details directly to deveelopers?

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Thu, 29 Jan 2009 08:54:44 Z

legacy2013 said: ...MS isnt about creating OS's for techies they are about creating OS's for the standard user and most of the changes made in windows 7 benefit the standard user

Uh, excuse me, but that is precisely their heritage. They have only gradually by degree, begrudgingly made Windows the kissy, candy-coated O/S for Consumer Appliance Users that it is today.

In fact, the historic issues with Windows generally resulted from their not meeting the mark in either direction. The UI advances are late-in-coming me-too knockoffs of others' work that is hung over things as an afterthought. The low-level technology is almost always an overly ambitious yet diluted replication of existing or evolving standards.

Now really, that IS what it is, and always has been for the past 25 years. And we've enjoyed using MS products the entire time anyway. But c'mon guy, don't make me barf with such a naive, distorted, brown-nose comment. As though Microsoft needs your defense.

legacy2013, read the post that immediately precedes yours from Luna Tick (and also his earlier post). He's right.

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Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:22:30 Z

I personally love the taskbar and the ribbons. However, I wish you would put the Sidebar back in and would continue to keep the balloon tips to a minimum. In my test machine, it bugged me every time I started it up because I didn't have antivirus software. It gets annoying.

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Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:25:06 Z

However, I love the speed. How long it took XP and Vista to load Visual Studio has literally been cut in pieces! (And this is just running with less than a gig of RAM.)

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Thu, 29 Jan 2009 13:49:47 Z

ISO burning capabilities are great, but please can we have the ability to mount an ISO image as a drive in Windows 7?

Mark Wilson (MVP Virtual Machine) - http://www.markwilson.co.uk/blog/

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Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:10:12 Z

mark-wilson said:

ISO burning capabilities are great, but please can we have the ability to mount an ISO image as a drive in Windows 7?

Mark Wilson (MVP Virtual Machine) - http://www.markwilson.co.uk/blog/

I ditto that for Vista!

And while we're at it, how about making UDF/LFS work with DVD-RW, so it will work like a floppy disk? It would be so nice to see that before USB flash-drives replace DVDs altogether. I mean, like, has 10 years not been enough patience?

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Thu, 29 Jan 2009 14:34:27 Z

egads said:

mark-wilson said:

ISO burning capabilities are great, but please can we have the ability to mount an ISO image as a drive in Windows 7?

Mark Wilson (MVP Virtual Machine) - http://www.markwilson.co.uk/blog/

I ditto that for Vista!

I ditto that one too. Both iso and udf

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Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:34:23 Z

egads said:

egads: try unchecking 'auto expand current folder' in folder options / general.

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Thu, 29 Jan 2009 15:47:02 Z

i don't know what happened, but today when I sent feedback, i actually got a progress bar, then a thank you for sending feedback screen. before, the window just goes away when i click send. i guess all the feedbacks i've sent til now have gone into a black hole.

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Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:08:56 Z

barth2k said:

egads: try unchecking 'auto expand current folder' in folder options / general.

Maybe I will succumb and reinstall Win7 on one of these computers. I'm really dying to. But I already gave it a go, and decided I'd just stick with Vista's quirks, most which I've wrestled to a satisfactory point. I really saw no benefit in going through that again with Win7.

The moment I saw what MS did with Explorer Libraries, that was practically enough for me to wipe the disk. I immediately dropped down to the Command prompt to confirm it is a Junction. Yeh, that's what they're doing, all right. At that point, I figured for sure there'd be some hideous infinite loop problem that would emerge. I think that's what we're talking about here. Like I said, I'm really dying to tinker around with it. But what a waste of time. You know? If I do, I'll get back to you in the other thread. (BTW: Good find ! )

But I'll add: Even if Search didn't gag like that, I still object to the undisciplined OOP-like interface that both you and Luna Tick mentioned. I can't get it to do anything predictable. It's really a low-point. In fact, it's downright insulting.

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Thu, 29 Jan 2009 16:53:04 Z

Anthony_Mann said:

Please keep this in mind when posting to this threat. We are at page 11 now with more than 200 posts, so please use your own thread for special discussions.

I appreciate those nice shortcuts for handling window position and size. It's the most useful improvement for my everyday work which I've seen in Win 7 so far. I'm working with two LCDs and I love the ability to move a window to the other display but just using a short cut. Very useful when working with a beamer or if one monitor isn't used all the time.

Looking at the GUI, contrast could be improved especially with menus. The taskbar needs some tweeking, too. I would like to see something like Apples icon zoom, but maybe they got it patented. At the moment, I can choose between big icons (too big for many display resolutions) or quite small one which can easily missed. Find something which enables zooming without being too close to Apple's dock.

Please improve the visual feedback for running applications. It's often not so easy to spot all running applications (increase contrast). The idea behind the new taskbar is very nice.

I'm missing the option to get my network status by hovering over the connection icon or by right-clicking on it.

Some stuff seems a bit cluttered. Eg. keep restoring and setting restore points (is this the correct translation?) together in one space.

From what I experienced on my PC and what I read in several threads, Win 7 needs improvement with networking and using sleep mode. Default all device energy settings to "don't wake up". There are really many threads concerning standby/sleep problems.

Windows 7 x64 - Gigabyte EP-45-DS3 (Intel P45 chip set), 4GB RAM, ATI 4670

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Thu, 29 Jan 2009 17:23:44 Z

Stepinsky said:

Please keep this in mind when posting to this threat. We are at page 11 now...

...I read in several threads, Win 7 needs improvement with networking and using sleep mode.

You are aware there are 2.5 million betas, aren't you? Be glad we are only on page 11.

And maybe you'd like to help us keep this to a minimum by posting your APM bug to the existing thread you mention.

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Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:52:42 Z

Hello people, i can't send feedback and i will tell you my idea on this topic :) My idea consist in a changement in the user interface. I have seen lot of images on a fantastic Windows 7 Circle Dock and i know that is not ufficial Microsoft interface. I'll hope that this Circle Dock will be reality becouse for me Windows needs a new interface and not a remake of Vista's interface. This Circle Dock is innovative and for me it's adapt for touch screen! Linux's desktops are wonderful, clearly and very usuful. Users that aren't competent in IT and see the same interface, says "Windows it's always the same..." and they stay with Xp or Vista but if they will see a new interface for example the Circle Dock, they say "Wow, Windows 7 has a wonderful interface!!!!!!!!!!!" I hope that my idea one day could be realized one day! (sorry my bad english ;))

Best regards.

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Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:13:08 Z

I have 20/100 vision in right eye, 20/200 in left. So I don't have low vision per se, but much less than perfect. I don't require use of the wonderful magnifier, nor do I need the high contrast scheme, which is frankly ugly. I do need to use font scaling at 125%, and I run my 1680x1050 monitor at 1440x900. I know I'm not supposed to do that, but using native resolution requires me to push the scaling to 150% for comfortable use. Running at that high a dpi causes too many problems with too many apps. I also customize windows fonts & metrics and use "standard" font smoothing. All of these combined have allowed me to use Windows fairly comfortably since 3.1.

But starting from Vista, something has changed. Something about the Aero interface, though pretty, really makes text hard for me to read. I tried a Vista beta or RC and found it very fatiguing to use. Vista also ran horribly on my then-new system so I never upgraded.

Now, I'm trying 7 beta and it runs generally much better on the same system. However, I still have the same problem with text. It seems like Vista/7 has really taken Cleartype up a notch. There's too much color fringing. Yes I've tried the tuner utility; it doesn't help. I much prefer XP's "standard" font smoothing, which uses grays to smooth edges of font rather than whatever it is that Cleartype does. Standard font smoothing also works equally well on black text/white background and white text/dark background. Cleartype may look good with small black text on white background, but on larger text or white text/dark background, the color fringes become obvious and distracting. I don't see how having rainbows improve legibility.

There's no standard font smoothing option in 7, but even when I duplicate the registry HKCU\Control Panel\Desktop\fontsmoothing* entries I find in XP which (I hope) forces 7 to use the same font smoothing technique, text in 7 still looks a bit faint and fuzzy by comparison. Using the magnifier, it's easy to see why this is: in XP, the letters are solid blacks with greys around the edges to soften them, whereas in 7, the greys encroach more into the letters, making them look faint and fuzzy. On some letters, there's more grey than black. It's as if 7's font smoothing is too aggressive. If I set fontsmoothing to 1 or 0, then the text is dark but with clear jaggies, looking like raster fonts in the old 3.1 days. (Naturally, I'm comparing using the same video card, resolution, DPI, fonts, and [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop\WindowMetrics] which I imported directly from XP. I've also tried both an ATI 4850 and a nvidia 7600GT with same results.)

I've also bit the bullet and tried to run in native res, but this did not help. (From my general experience, running in non native res doesn't make text look worse. No one using my computer has ever complained about it. Once when my brother with 20/20 vision was using my PC, I changed the screen to full res thinking he'd appreciate the extra room, but he didn't like it saying the text was too faint and told me to change it back. I think non native res just gets a bad rap. Obviously, if you do graphics work, you don't want scaling. But I'm a coder, so it's not a problem.)

I don't know if what I'm seeing is due to a change in the font smoothing function, or a change in how the desktop is rendered in general. I'd really appreciate it if someone at Microsoft can make a comment or look into this.

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Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:35:49 Z

Just a quick suggestion.....

You can actually do that.....Just right click on the taskbar.....click on create new toolbar......browse and choose the folder where you place all your program shortcuts (for programs you want to quick launch - if you don't have the folder - create one and load it with all the shortcuts that you like.) and whalah - a new min tab will appear right next to your UAC and hidden folders....click on that and Voila! a pop-up will appear with all the shortcuts in that folder, click a short and it will launch....It's just like a customized version of quick launch - in one folder!

Try it....

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Fri, 30 Jan 2009 07:02:24 Z

Lhyksus, your suggest it's very beautiful but i think in Windows interface there is no costumization(it's my modest opinion). I don't know if you have seen Compiz, Emerald, Cairo Dock, Avant Windows Manager on Linux... They are fantastic with lot of personalization!(so that there are competitions for the most beautiful desktop!) Also Mac OsX it's wonderful to see with his interface Aqua. I think that Windows interface it's obsolete though Aero has trasparency etc... I think Microsoft have to do a new user interface with importante innovation specially in Windows 7 where it is touch.( for me, for example, Windows 7 Circle Dock is good innovation) I hope someone of Microsoft team read this my modest opinion or someone can say it at Microsoft team... :) Today, if i should buy Windows 7, i think that i will not buy it becouse important innovation, as filesystem, as user interface, as kernel, there aren't. It's my modest opinion :)

Best regards!

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Fri, 30 Jan 2009 07:08:22 Z

I'd like the say the current taskbar is ugly as hell. However, with a few modifications, I get it looking like Vista again, that toolbar I fell in love with. I love the "show hidden icon" feature as well. The way Libraries and documents look make you want this to be your permanent home. There are so many things that you want to make all yous but it's a beta so most likely it won't be the same all the time. Unless you can just upgrade from beta to beta w/o formatting, just an update. Is that how it works?

ECS GeForce7050M-M (V2.0), AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core 5600+ (OC: 3.2GHz), 4GB OCZ Titanium XTC DDR2-800 Memory, Creative Audigy 2 ZS, EVGA 9500GT 512MB DDR2 (OC'ed) and 6GB Flash Disk for READYBOOST. Running Windows 7 beta build 7000. My Windows Experience Index (WEI) Score is: 5.3

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Fri, 30 Jan 2009 08:36:57 Z

barth2k said: ...use font scaling at 125%, and I run my 1680x1050 monitor at 1440x900...push the scaling to 150% for comfortable use....

I am acutely aware of these same issues; maybe you would start a new thead and explain the tricks you've learned? I will watch for it.

I would like to say this to Microsoft:

Yes, there is a real magic to getting the spacing of things to work well. You seem to know that, having composed some really excellent fonts. With those fonts, you take in not just words, but even whole phrases at a glance. Others, with bad font spacing, you need to read one-letter-at-a-time and it makes you feel dyslexic. White spacing on pages is similar. Ever notice a magazine ad or billboard where you take it all in, at a glance, before you even read it?

My point is: in Control-Panel, the All-Icon mode spacing is terrible. I admire the excellence of the graphics, but the overall effect is IN YOUR FACE. Somehow, I cannot find anything even though I'm staring right at it. I need to move the mouse-arrow item by item to pick anything out.

DarienHawk67 has given other examples and suggestions on this very topic.

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Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:37:49 Z

I really do NOT like it when files are reported as having been created, say, 3 minutes ago.

It would be a nice addendum, though.

This is good: Created 1-29-09 at 6:30am, 3 minutes ago.

But the way you're doing it, Microsoft, it's not helpful. It's inconvenient. And insulting.

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Fri, 30 Jan 2009 12:23:39 Z

Installed with problems - at Setup your computer for first time use screen I get a black screen with a top blue line. Solved using F8 and choosing Low resolution mode.

Founded all drivers ( some were installed directly, some using WU ) except Microsoft Fingerprint - strange as is a Microsoft product.

I have problem with the use of interface - in Vista I still use Classic Menu - I don't like it as is white - not skinned, but at least is there.

I have increased the number of programs in Start Menu to have more space to scroll for programs, but I really need the Classic Menu back - could be skinned, having transparency, but to have it. Also putting a checkbox in Taskbar properties to enable Quick Launch - could be easy instead of using tweaks to show it up.

There are still old style menus especially for settings - less that in Vista, but still gives a impression of broken interface - no continuity.

A small problem is with hidden icons in taskbar - well, just I don't like the way they group in that window.

Also I have some problems with Now Playing windows in WMP, because is separate from the rest and is dificult to see a file properties - have to switch to Library to get Properties. Also having different dimension is annoying to the eyes when switching between Now Playing and Library. Also some codecs seems cannot register correctly - ffdshow tryout - don' work the video.

In WMP - I see it can play AVCHD FILES ( m2ts ), but only selecting them one by one - not if inserting an AVCHD DVD - format not recognized - so no menu at all.

Performance is good, definitelly more fast than Vista ( even if it takes about 120 mb more sistem memory at clean install ) but still a bit slower than XP.

An other problem I found - I cannot activate - I've sent the error code through Feedback. It's strange as internet works well, but activation fails, some times i don't get a progress bar, some times the progres bar has 90% when fails.

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Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:54:41 Z

I am Loving it had one small issue with duel booting but was easy to fix I just want to keep this after beta is done but with % computer dont know if I can aford to switch them all to it :-(

I would like to see one feature add thats a 4 or 6 pane file explorer Like power desk 2 or 3 panes on the left with the file tree and 2 or 3 on the right for sub tree

that just makes life so much easyer when move file around on a net work or backing up

Bearclaws

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Fri, 30 Jan 2009 22:12:14 Z

The Pig and the Princess

So a few years ago, in the early days of Vista, I talked my wife into getting a laptop for herself (and keep her off my pc!). She eventually agreed as long as I didn’t spend a lot of money; she still saw no reason to have one since I have a good PC. So, I shopped around a bit, trying to find a good, low cost, laptop. All she ever really does is some email, a little light surfing, and some digital camera picture manipulation.

I finally decided on a pretty decent (for the time) Acer, Vista Certified and all that. It did only come with 512mb of RAM, but shoot, I have 2 gigs on my XP machine, surely she would need more ram, so I paid about $550 for laptop and an extra $50 for another gig of RAM.

So, as it is booting for the first time, my wife is asking me, “Why is it so slow?”. I explain, it’s only the first boot, it’s configuring itself etc… give it a bit to get organized and the 2^nd boot will run much more smoothly. So finally, it drops us to the Vista Home Basic desktop and I immediately reboot as to judge its real boot speed. On 2^nd boot, it was marginally faster, but still horribly slow for a laptop right out of the box.

Over the next few days, I spend a great deal of time trying to speed it up, turning off disk indexing, killing all the new pretty graphics, disabling prefetch, stripping msconfig of anything I can get away with, disabling UAC, anything to try and speed this pig up. In the end, I only marginally increased it’s overall performance but it still left me with a very sluggish laptop.

Stuttering on DVD playback seemingly at random, constant disconnects from our wireless router, difficulties with sharing between the XP box and the laptop, and 3 minute boot and shutdown sequences was starting to make me angry, not to mention my wife, who now started to say things like “I hate this laptop”, “Why do I get the PC that sucks?”, “Why did you buy me a piece of junk?” “Why did you waste our money on this?” …after only 2 weeks of use. ARG! The Vista Ready sticker begins to taunt me and invade my dreams. Peeling off the sticker doesn’t help, HA!

So, I redouble my efforts to improve the situation starting with the most pressing problem, its’ seeming inability to connect and stay connected to the wireless router. I place the lap top less than 2 feet from the router and begin tinkering with the laptop and the router. Signal strength reported by Vista Basic is excellent. Hit connect, it says it’s connecting for like 2 minutes, then returns back that it could not connect, no reason given. Oh, occasionally it would connect like there had never been an issue, but it was so random as to not be even worth it. My solution? I ran about a 30 foot CAT5 cable to the laptop. A year or more later, Service Pack 1 did not improve the situation at all, so I began discussions with my wife that Windows XP might be the solution, but that’s still a $100 we couldn’t justify as we just had our first child.

So one day, my wife hears on the news that Microsoft is going to start offering downgrades from Vista to XP, and she is soo excited that her laptop might actually work as intended. Unfortunately, after I research the issue I find that it only applies to new versions of Enterprise and Ultimate. So, early adopters of Vista get bent over and… I’ll let you fill in the rest. Explaining this to my wife was painful to say the least. In the end, we just accepted what we could not change and at this point, my wife begins to refer to her laptop as “The Pig”. The pig is taking forever. The pig can’t find my pictures. The pig is popup spamming me. The pig won’t play my DVD etc… I begin to develop a smoldering hatred for all things Vista.

So, along comes Windows 7 Open Beta and I decide to give it a run on my highly tuned, super speedy XP box, just for something to tinker with for a while and I was very impressed. I was expecting more of the same even with all the ridicule that MSFT had to endure over the last few years. Every device and component on my aging system was recognized and the install was flawless (my dual boot issues not withstanding and eventually resolved). I was so pleased with how speedy Win7 was I was beginning to think this might help my wife’s laptop some. I was especially interested in trying out the new Homegroup network config. The engineering windows blog really made it sound like MSFT had a change of philosophy regarding home networking.

So in the dark of the night, while wife and baby sleep, I pop in the Win7 32bit ISO, blow away everything on the laptop HD with the install Fdisk and install Win7. I’m pretty sure my hands were sweaty with the thought of what was to come if this didn’t work out or if things got worse.

(Insert a Chorus of Angels and Rays of Light from the Sky here)

Install went flawlessly, every device recognized, and it booted from cold start to desktop in like 30 seconds! The desktop was very responsive and it looks like most of the aero features are turned on, very pretty and smooth, even with the fading windows, glass boarders, taskbar previews, and nifty new show desktop hotspot. I had Win7 64 on my XP box up, so I set up a homegroup password, unplugged the CAT5, type the password in to the laptop and… More Angels and Light!

Homegroup saw my PC immediately and connected wirelessly without any intervention by me. I loaded up Picasa, pointed to my PC’s photo library, and away it went, indexing the 1000’s of images it contained. Amazing! So I figured I would go for broke, pulled a DVD off the rack, popped it in, and OMG, Windows will play a DVD natively! I skipped around the DVD, trying to make it stutter, but to no avail. Thoroughly satisfied with DVD playback, I went to exit it but accidentally minimized it instead. As I went to click on the taskbar to open up the DVD playback so I could quit the program, up pops the new preview pane, and there was the movie, playing perfectly in the little pane. No stutters, no skips, no lag, just instant movie in the little preview pane. I think I might have wet my pants at this point…

The wife was very skeptical the next morning, but Win 7 won her over pretty quickly. She even said it was like I bought her a whole new laptop! As I was showing her a few new things, the background changed and she squealed in delight. It’s a simple thing, but it switched while we had a DVD going in a window, email open in a window, Firefox open and minimized, and Picasa open but minimized. If I had done this, (with a 3^rd party background switcher), Vista Basic would have coughed up a lung then stuttered for 5 minutes.

So both our machines have been running Win 7 for a couple weeks now with no issues (HP’s refusal to build Vista Compatible Drivers for it’s older equipment not withstanding) and no disconnects. The other day I was home for lunch and asked her how the pig was running. She got all upset and said, “Don’t you dare call the Princess a pig!” Amazing… I haven’t the heart to tell her it’s only good until August then it will cost us a boatload of money for two licenses, but oh well. Let sleeping dogs lie.

So, Thank You Microsoft! My only request/advice would be to sell a 3 License, Home Upgrade or whatever edition so millions of homes can upgrade almost all of their aging and new PC’s (regardless of what version of windows it is currently running) to Win 7 in the $150 range, Bill already has enough money to save Africa. Vista has left you in a deep karma debt and you could wipe it out in one fell swoop. Consider wisely and keep up the good work, you have truly turned a pig into a princess!

TL;DR Vista gets owned!

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Sat, 31 Jan 2009 03:39:02 Z

Can't exacty remember where I read the article but to wit: Microsoft came out with an advertisment to hire tech people to work on Native virtual drive for windows 7. I have tried testing some Virtual drive software with Windows 7 beta and they don't work so obviously Microsoft is still working on this technical aspect. The software I tried to test were: Magic ISO, Ultra ISO, Rocket Division Starburn, Virtual Clone, Alcohol 120. Funny there is one software though which beautifully works with windows 7 beta which I still am using - Gizmo.

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Sat, 31 Jan 2009 03:45:06 Z

Oh, by the way have you tried opening the dropdown option list in Windows Media Player? When click it, a drop down menu will appear and one of the items says"Download Sisualization" - obviously it's misspelled should have been "Download Visualizations". Hope Microsoft will correct this.

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Sat, 31 Jan 2009 03:51:35 Z

I've never experienced a beta 1 this stable. However the IE8 included in the build is the usual crash prone IE, with or without add-ons. Call it "what Vista should have been", call it new or call it whatever you wish. I like it.

It is the responsibility and duty of everyone to help the underprivileged and unfortunate among us.

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Sat, 31 Jan 2009 03:55:07 Z

Whew! wonderful article. As for me Windows 7 beta has been causing me an unexpected inconvenience. After installing it in my PC I have had no privacy in my own room where my PC is located. My son who has an Acer Aspire keeps on using my computer because he likes it. I tool him to dual boot his laptop but the dude is afraid to mess up with and OEM unit. Shucks! I sometimes end up sleeping in my living room. Windows 7 beta! look what you've done!

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Sat, 31 Jan 2009 04:39:52 Z

Yeah right, Both Microsoft OS Vista and Windows 7 are useless! Check! That's why Linux and Apple get to share less than 10 percent of the market. MS Systems and OS so useless that 88 percent of the Worlds Corporation use it. And Linux - Gee it's so useful for only less than 8 percent...What a paradox...If Linux is that great it should at least be at around 30-40 percent of the market....how can you justify it's usefullness with a less than 8 percent market share: Lovely! Chulah, chulah!

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Sat, 31 Jan 2009 05:20:49 Z

Brimstone67 said:

The Pig and the Princess

Did you ever try to run a box-version of Vista, that wasn't crippled by OEM-Ware?

Have you tried polluting your Win7 installation with that same OEM-Ware? How does your Acer notebook run then?

Just curious.

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Sat, 31 Jan 2009 05:57:17 Z

Lhyksus said:

Someone else had made mention of this also. However, mine seems okay.

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Sat, 31 Jan 2009 06:48:06 Z

WindowsReview said:

Windows 7 could be called Windows Vista 1.3. It's vista the way it should have been.

I would have to agree on this seeing how much of the programs keeps refering to "Vista"
though I think the dissabling of the seors that monitor waht you added or removed is a nice touch..another nice touch is I am rather surprised at the stabillity of the system even after disabling the cache and SuperFetch...

Other then that I liked how it found everything, And I am a Dell dimension 5150 with only the vidoe card as the only changes made to it..Ill get the ram next month..:) unless I win the lottery, then I'll just build my own system(s).

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Sat, 31 Jan 2009 07:50:12 Z

Oh sorry about that, I didn't mean that Media Player Interface - try the other one - on the same screen that you captured; go to the bottom left corner of that screen and click on the arrow that will change it's interface to - (to the all blue one). when that is up, go to the upper right corner where there is a small down arrow with the label "List Options" ; that is where you can see the word Visualization misspelled as Sisualization....

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Sat, 31 Jan 2009 08:15:35 Z

Opps bottom right corner not left....

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Sat, 31 Jan 2009 17:04:41 Z

Anthony_Mann said:

Windows Client IT Pro Audience Manager for Web Forums

Hey this is 10 days I'm trying Windows seven. First impression, I had a smack in my face for visual interface, since I came from Windows XP and didn't have personalized it. It was just wonderful. It's now ten days I do not play videogames anymore, I've of course bought the Xbox 360 but Windows seven is more passionating.
First comment: it seems one time I shut off the computer without quitting properly W7, due to necessity to change post location, and then when it starded back I had this screen: "Windows ddn't shut off correctly. Please choose the way you want it to start: Start normally..." If there is no propblem, W7 ins't able to start normally as WXP does it (as I know) well? Argument: it seems unfamiliar for new users.
Sorry for my long thread, I have lot of ideas and promise to try to be shorter next time. And tell me welcome! I'm new here!

Zelda fan

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Sat, 31 Jan 2009 20:07:01 Z

Lhyksus said:

Oh snap!

I didn't notice that all. I will submit my feedback via the built-in feedback mechanism so that it can be fixed. Admittedly, I have never seen a simple spelling error on any Microsoft product. This is a first.

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Sat, 31 Jan 2009 21:22:33 Z

I installed Office 07 finally on w7... switching to Vista to read doc's was a pain, and I'm on w7 all the time anyway. I slapped all office apps onto the taskbar... god I love this OS, I'll be first in line at launch.

A nice feature though, would be the ability to limit the amount of items in the jump list's MRU list, maybe an option in the taskbar properties to choose an amount. Some jump lists get pretty massive.

Haha sisualizations.

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Sat, 31 Jan 2009 23:18:42 Z

xDirect said:

I would have clicked it right away if it was mispelled as "downloand Sensualizations" hehehehe.

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Sun, 01 Feb 2009 03:39:54 Z

* "UP folder" button gone, please put it back.

* "Invert selection" please put it back.

* Status bar only shows details for 15 files, after that it stop showing details and says "click here for more details" that's bad when you are trying to drag-select a bunch of files and simply isn't needed. Please make it always show details.

* WINDOWS DON'T SAVE POSITIONS!!!
this is the big one. very stupid and I flat out will not use Vista 7 or recommend it to anyone if you don't fix this bug.

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Sun, 01 Feb 2009 13:17:18 Z

walk2k said:

* Yes please, please please!!!

* Don't use it too much, but when I need it, it sure comes in handy!

* This is a huge omission, i'm sure when people are drag-selecting to get a bunch of files up to a certain size (say to burn to a cd or whatever) how can you possibly do this if it stops counting at 15, a modern operating system should be more than capable of counting over 15, windows xp did this, vista actually is the same behaviou, anything over 15 need to click more details - and it take a long time to figure out the total size of 79 items in my case!

* Ya, i like the documents folder to have a different size folder than the recycle bin, but whatever i set the recycle bin to the documents folder now does the same, strange....

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Sun, 01 Feb 2009 18:16:40 Z

Yeah even worse is you can turn off the new screen-hogging "details pane" and turn back on the old nice-compact "status "bar" (push ALT, select it from View menu), but ooops they removed the byte count from the old status bar... In fact it ony shows the # of files selected... THAT'S IT!

Yes that's exactly what I'm trying to do, select files to burn to DVD, or move to another disk that only has limited room or something.

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Sun, 01 Feb 2009 19:13:55 Z

Hey peolle could you speack english a little bit those times? I would like nicely to vote for one of your suggestions, but how would I do if I don't uderstand a-word of what about you are speaking? I try, always, to be understandable when I give feedback as if I was talking to somebody who doesn't know exactly the cause and effects of my Bug, I speack to developers exactly the same as I speack to my Mom when I explain her Windows. So please, even If you get (and I'm not sure it's the best way) non-precise feedback to developers, at least they may have the report summary uploaded by Windows, (Which kind of content is send by this way, as luckily Microsoft still respect our privacy, not like Blizzard? Do Microsoft has enough comments as this thread have only 12 pages and a few messages a day? Who sends feedback, who have ideas, and who is clear?) so please be Kind, please be patient. Write us in english.

For instance, my first language is french. So in english, usually, I understand most of the things written and try to be done in return. I have a great idea. Not that if people purpose me to explain their will, then I will vote as I must, not as if a "one-way-thinking-man" stills tells "I won't use your Windows because Microsoft is Monolythic and risks (lol) to become Monopoly", but as a simple man, I purpose something:

Please give us the tools to develop on Windows seven before others, and please in drag'and drop way cause I know Visual Studio express 2008 C# for the Windows forms, but it isn't still enough simple for a "Noob" as me.

As I had this idea, I have thousands.
;)

Zelda fan

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Sun, 01 Feb 2009 19:36:17 Z

If Windows 7 is really Vista 2 then how come that some Software that runs on Vista will not run on Windows 7 , I'm thinking particularly of Bluetooth Software ??

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Sun, 01 Feb 2009 21:03:52 Z

sorry for the long post, but feedback isn't working for me (again) so I'm posting here in the hope it gets to the devs.

accessibility issues:

1) if's great that the magnifier auto opens when i hit win & +. but when I zoom back out to 100%, I think it should automatically close too. i think it makes sense that if user invokes it this way and zoom back out, he's just interested in a quick see and doesn't rely on it all the time.

it's quick enough to open again. leaving it open takes up more space on the taskbar. it can also hang, as it often does if i log off and back on.

at least this should be an option.

2) there's a font that's used throughout the UI, e.g., windows help, send feedback dialog. I find it hard to read, (I'm not using cleartype b/c I have a problem with it.) I think it's Segoe UI but I tried doing a font substituee in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\FontSubstitutes and it does nothing. I'm not expecting this to be changed; I'm hoping someone can tell me what it is so I can try replacing it.

3) I asked for this elsewhere, but please bring back standard font smoothing like in XP, also, make sure the same font smoothing is applied everywhere. 7 seems inconsistent. some part of the UI is aliased differently than other. for ex: text on taskbar's toolbar is aliased differently than text on start menu.

general issues:

1) add me to the list of people who like the new taskbar in general but annoyed by the way multiple windows of same app is handled. no point in clicking the icon only to get the preview. you can already do that with a moue hover, and it's inconsistent with normal behavior. (I know about ctrl+click, but it's too much work for both my brain and hands when I have to do it dozens of time in a day)

2) BUG: 7 keeps resetting some of my settings for no discernible reason. e.g., requiring passwd when waking from sleep, start navigation sound set to default after I changed it to nothing, monitor sleep time changed to default 20 mins.

3) BUG: 7 keeps changing my tray icon customization. for ex: it keeps changing task manager from 'show both' to 'show notification only'. speaking of which, why not have an option to show the CPU meter in the taskbar icon itself. use the new capability.

4) how about tweakUI for win 7? I'd like to get rid of various aero peek delays, for starter.

5) give me more control over restore. it's frustrating when 7 decides to delete restore points that I really wanted to keep. there's no way to mark a restore point as "keep until I delete". at least warn me when 7 is about to delete a restore point I manually created so I have the option of removing some other restore points (another request) or increase disk quota for restore points. not sure if this is possible.
.
general comment:

much of the things that annoy people are there because they need to be there for newbies (and by newbies I don't mean people who aren't tech savvy; just people new to Windows or 7). it'd be nice to have different beginner / advanced / expert / custom modes, where each mode is a collection of settings presets. so beginner mode would be the default windows settings. expert mode would, for ex, have lower UAC, classic control panel, details view by default, no hiding of known extensions, no delay with aero peek, etc etc. so at installation, I can select expert mode and have it working mostly as I like it. when I do tech support for someone, I can temporarily switch on expert mode then switch it back when I'm done.

thank you for reading.

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Sun, 01 Feb 2009 21:10:20 Z

roger1944 said:

If Windows 7 is really Vista 2 then how come that some Software that runs on Vista will not run on Windows 7 , I'm thinking particularly of Bluetooth Software ??

Windows 7 isn't the Vista 2 as you say. This for three reasons: First, 7 is based on Windows NT base, so as you saw It is fast and effective on small configurations which is not the case (and never will) for Vista which is heavy. In easy words, Seven is developed from scratch and is adapted to be compatible with Vista, but that's just our work at us, to tell which devices are compatible or not.
Second, 7 isn't the Vista 2 because it is revolutionnary. For me, of course, it was, as I came from XP. People coming from Vista see actually less changes that I did, but they (they will) they are not fortunated because of the Power difference when we compare XP, Vista, and Seven: 7 is for me more a XP2 in its future success. As I say that, I mean Vista had already incompabilities with Windows XP, and I can say there are more softwares designed for XP than for Vista. There are more computers and families running XP than Vista too, XP launch happened years ago and still is the best for experts. Seven will be HIS successor. I don't know why, I sense it.
Third, 7 isn't a sequel of Vista cause U make suggestions. People who make suggestions are heard by developers. Developers have greater hardware to work than ever before. Seven can be a great thing. Just have ideas and make it happen!

Zelda fan

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 01:37:47 Z

General note to all complainers about the user interface and UAC: PLEASE try openSUSE, Ubuntu and/or Mandriva and then complain about Win 7 (and of course, Vista)

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 03:15:36 Z

lonewolf said:

General note to all complainers about the user interface and UAC: PLEASE try openSUSE, Ubuntu and/or Mandriva and then complain about Win 7 (and of course, Vista)

Does Fedora count? Am I allowed to complain now? ;)

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 03:37:58 Z

Now Luna Tick, you know that is not what I necessarily meant. (don't you?) wink, wink. It's just that sometimes this and the vusta site seem like /. . Interestingly, openSuSE took 34 min 43 secs to load on clean HDD with a E6750 ocd to 3.16, and 8Gb of DDR2 800 RAM while WIN 7 load on my lapto with 2 gb ram and 1.66 cpu in under 25 mins So, it seems MSFT is headed in the right direction.

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 06:29:42 Z

I have just set up Windows 7 beta as Dual boot with Vista Home Premium Edition. Ive been running Vista up until now with dual display's (24in Monitor & 32in LCD HD TV) with Media center & games primarily displayed on my LCD 32in HDTV (secondary Display) & pretty much everything else on my 24in Monitor (Primary Display).

I have encounter a slight glitch when doing this as I have children who want to use Media Center while I 'm working using the 24in Monitor. If they use the Media Center remote control, most functions dont interfer with what I'm doing, but thats not the case with the mouse as even though I have two mouse pointers & keyboards (usb, bluetooth) but they work dependently some times leading to mouse wars between myself & the kids.

I've often thought wouldnt it be nice if I could Lock the bluetooth mouse to the Media Center screen then continue my work using the usb mouse rather than having to pause what i'm doing in order to allow the kids to complete whatever task they want. Now we have Windows 7 may I ask is it possible to run seperate dual mouse pointers in Windows 7 like you can with a MAC? "Multipoint" seems to have the potential to achieve Dual mouse control, Could this be implemented into Windows 7 FC & Media Center? it would help finaly bring some harmony to my household.

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:29:12 Z

The current hapazard use of different ways to access menus and commands across 5 different MS programs is a mess, and reminscent of the old Windows 3.1 shareware days.

Microsoft seem to be caught in their own confusion with the constant 'hiding' of Menus. You have menus, but they are hidden. Then instead of the hidden menus, you have created other menus (Organise, New Folder, Share with, Burn, Print, Open, Sort, Preview Pane...).

So let's recap:

You took away menus
In their place you put some... menus

Conclusion: By trying to tidy up menus, you instead created twice as many menus, which is half as tidy. This is messy and inconsistent!

How to get to menu options is more and more inconsistent in every program by the same company!:

The problem (in pictures): http://tinyurl.com/b4s9pn

It's not just menus. The same inconsistent, muddled, confusing approach applies to Vista and Windows 7, which provide users with too many different ways to achieve one simple task. This leaves everyone but power users circling the mouse around going "errr..." while they remember which of the 5 different ways they want to open 'Computer' today (or whether it is even called 'My Computer' in this version of the O/S!). Read more on that separate complaint here.

Please Microsoft - SERIOUSLY - employ a team leader overseeing ALL teams, who understand Neatness, Simplicity, Consistency, and Logic. I am perceptive to the needs of customers, understand psychology, and I know you are going SEVERELY wrong here.

The current situation you have stumbled into is a bigger mess than a messy pig called Mrs Messiness. I have never, ever, considered getting a Mac... but now for the first time in my life, I am. Your policies are a disgrace. I am stunned beyond belief. A truly shocking mess of an OS.

I'm not just complaining, I have the solution too:

The solution (in pictures): http://tinyurl.com/clqoju

For all programs that can use them, use Ribbons.
Where you can't use Ribbons, use the above pictoral solution.

There you have your solution - two, and only two ways to access program features - always in the same places, always familiar, always consistent and friendly. Isn't this better than the current mish-mash? It has got to be better than the current seven different constantly changing varients!

If you agree please rate this post and maybe MS will listen.

Thanks, CJSnet

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 11:30:28 Z

Major change of policy suggested:

One of the biggest problems Windows has always had is THERE ARE TOO MANY DIFFERENT WAYS TO DO ONE THING.

This leads to the inevitible non-pro user 'um-ing' and 'err-ing', circling the mouse around in a scatty fashion, stuck in a perpetual indecisive state, as they try to work out which is the 'quicker' of the 5 ways to do the 1 task they want.

I have seen so many people do this, from techies in their 30s, to grandmothers in their 60s, that I am amazed MS haven't picked up on it yet!

Having 'lots of options' is a false economy Microsoft. The time taken for the brain to work out which 'way' to pick, more than obliterates any potential speed gain by having all those ways!

I am a pro user and even I still go 'err...' and wave the mouse around when trying to do something as simple as open Computer!
"Shall I go Start > Computer...?"
"Or shall I right-click Explorer > Computer...?"
"Or shall I double-click the desktop Computer...?"
"Hmm each is 2 clicks... which shall I do... maybe the one nearest the mouse cursor today...? Wait, I've just lost 10 seconds productivity DAMMIT!"

There are similar issues for renaming a file.
"Shall I right-click and rename...?"
"Or shall I click on the filename slowly twice...?"
"Hang on what about Organise > Rename...?"
"No wait, how about Alt > File > Rename...?"

Same issues again for moving or copying a file.
"Shall I press Ctrl+C...?"
"Wait, no, I can right-click and choose Copy...?"
"But is that as fast as opening 2 windows and dragging the file across...?"
"Hang on, I could just drag it onto the folder tree at the left...?"
"DAMN where's that lovely right-click Copy To... option gone that I used to use all the time...?"

Microsoft need to evaluate which is the absolute fastest way to achieve one result, then turn all other methods off by default unless the user turns them on via a simple checkbox in Options.

For me it is easy, I just removed Computer from the Start Menu and desktop. MY WORK SPED UP! I now always know to INSTANTLY right-click Explorer > Computer. No time deciding, it is a quick habit now.

I guarantee this speeds up productivity. It is easy to think 'lots of options' is a good thing, but just like having lots of food in the fridge makes you bloat with more weight, so does having lots of routes to one destination make you bloat the time taken to reach that destination.

If you agree, please rate this post.

Thanks, CJSnet

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:29:06 Z

Uh, how did you bang both of those out, with only 1 minute separating them? I am way in agreement with your complaint. But I have a different solution: There should be two schemes.

#1 for high-level Consumer Appliance interface (eg, Media Center), it should be kissy, candy-coated, ribboned.

#2 for lower-level Computer Maintenance interface (eg, Explorer), it should be pure business.

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 14:48:40 Z

egads said:

Uh, how did you bang both of those out, with only 1 minute separating them? I am way in agreement with your complaint. But I have a different solution: There should be two schemes.

I'm a fast typer ;) Either that or I copied it from another thread I started.

As long as your solution is consistent across the board rather than the current mish-mash, I don't mind.

Thanks, CJSnet

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:33:00 Z

TURN LIBRARIES OFF BY DEFAULT SO EXPLORER ACTS JUST LIKE VISTA

Many people hate Libraries. That is what I gather from reading feedback, and what I agree with. Everyone who uses Vista has their own system already sorted out. However, some (mainly more power users), will find Libraries useful.

The problem is Microsoft has replaced the way we are used to working, with the Libraries way BY DEFAULT! That is the wrong move in my view.

Here is the solution, which - if Microsoft are listening - they will employ:

*** Turn Libraries OFF by default *** This is crucial. Leaving them on as default will confuse 90% of users, many of whom have all their folders organised just how they want them.
Have a radio button in Folder Options like this (and unchecked by default):

Use Libraries

Turning it ON only, will:

Make the Explorer taskbar button open the Libraries folder
Turn all the Start Menu links into links to the related library
When browsing for a file from within an application, it will open up in the Libraries folder
Libraries appears on the left of explorer windows

Leaving it OFF (as 90% will I assure you) will:

Ensure the taskbar Explorer button opens the User's main folder
All Start Menu links will open the relevant User folder
When browsing for a file from within an application, it will open up in the User folder
Libraries will not appear on the left of explorer windows
Reinstate the 'filter' buttons to the Search window's toolbar just like Vista: [Documents] [Pictures] [Videos] [Music]
Media Center and Windows Media Player will however have their own media libraries just like users are used to with Vista

Those in favour of giving the user the choice?

Thanks, CJSnet

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:37:47 Z

Microsoft need to evaluate which is the absolute fastest way to achieve one result, then remove all other options (apart from keyboard shortcuts which are 'hidden' power user options).

MS has to accommodate the beginners and experts alike. the fastest way will not be the same for everyone. it's fine to have options and leave it to the user to figure out what s/he likes best, just as you figured it out for yourself.

I agree with you on the menu mess. Somewhere along the line, MS decided the good old menu was too hard and tried to get rid of it. Then they found out oops, sometimes the menu really comes in handy and put it back, but darn it, we're really trying to get away from menus, so we'll hide it.

I don't have office 2007 so my first exposure to it was using Paint. I thought it was a pain having to constantly switch tabs to change zoom or edit texts etc. maybe with a really complicated program the ribbon pays off, or maybe it's even more painful.

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 16:54:56 Z

barth2k said:

I agree with you on your first comment about too many ways to reach one goal, and edited my post accordingly, to this: "Microsoft need to evaluate which is the absolute fastest way to achieve one result, then make all other ways off by default unless the user turns them on via a simple checkbox in Options."

I loved your comment about MS's thinking on menus. That must be exactly what happened!

As for Ribbons, once you use them you will love them. They are a great replacement for menus as they combine a menu and a toolbar and look pretty. The issue is some programs are not suitable due to space constraints (e.g. Explorer windows), and that is why it is fine to have glassy buttons there - but no more than those 2 options: Ribbons OR Glassy Buttons with a 'More' button.

Thanks, CJSnet

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:00:32 Z

i find the overall expereince improved over vista, faster, more reliable, shinier, and easy to navigate. i am not too fond of the homegroup or libraries, i think the regular sharing method had worked fine.

IE 8 - thumbs down, I will be using firefox as my rimary browser now.

New taskbar - thumbs up, nice visuals, works good

Improved UI is great, shiny, nice to look at and menues are good

UAC control easier to manage and works good

desktop personalization is good, a bit more segmented and seperated than before but still easy to use and navigate to make changes to settings

improved network connections icon in taskbar is awesome! connecting to vpn and other neworks much easier, less windows and clicks to get the task done compared to vista.

driver and program compatability has been good, have not had any issues yet with all the programs i use at homea nd for my job

I would like to see less versions of the OS when released as RTM, i only see need for 2 consumer versions, there could be others such as "N" for Media center removed to be used in EU and also a vlume license of edu version

1. Windows 7 Home/Ultimate (incl media center and no need for a basic or premium version, make the "extras" an addon through windows update or downlaod center, also no domain functionality)
2. Windows 7 Professional (replacement for enterprise and business editions, removedsmedia center, adds domain and other business ready security enhancements, bitlocker and others)

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:03:16 Z

I forgot to mention the libraries, as mention CJSnet I recomend what he says, i am one of the users who manages my own fiels and will turn off the libraries given the choice.

libraries does not amek it more simplified, it actually complicates it more!

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 17:13:22 Z

CJSnet said:

Many people hate Libraries. Everyone who uses Vista has their own system already sorted out. However, some (mainly more power users), will find Libraries useful.

The problem is Microsoft has replaced the way we are used to working, with the Libraries way BY DEFAULT! That is the wrong move in my view.

Libaries seems like a half baked idea. I want to use it, but its limitations just makes it tantalizingly frustrating.

1) I want to add individual files. I want to create a library of wallpapers, composed of pictures I plucked out from different folders at whims. I have to create a wallpaper folder, include it in the library, and add shortcuts of the pictures to it. But shortcuts get treated as shortcuts so I don't get nice thumbnail previews. (Why can't we have symbolic links already?) I could copy the files, but it's unnecessary duplication.

2) I want to exclude folders. I have a partition full of audio files. I want to include the whole thing in Music. But I want to exclude my audiobooks and a few other things. I now have to either reorganize and put everything I want in the library in one folder, and take the other folders out, or individually include everything I want. But I want windows to accommodate me, not the other way around.

3) I want to have file filters. Messy guy that I am, my picture folders inevitably have other file types in it. Each library should be aware of its main content and have an option to 'show only these files by default'. There should be presets for videos, pictures, music, etc. with option to add your own extensions.

I'm sure it'll be improved in win8, and we'll all say this is what libraries should've been in the first place.

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 18:04:28 Z

barth 2k said:

1. Windows 7 Home/Ultimate (incl media center and no need for a basic or premium version, make the "extras" an addon through windows update or downlaod center, also no domain functionality)
2. Windows 7 Professional (replacement for enterprise and business editions, removedsmedia center, adds domain and other business ready security enhancements, bitlocker and others)

I am ok but wish a special edition like Solaris edition: the developer's. Find in the end of my comment.

But first, I am obviously turned out how THIS forum doesn't work. Finally it works. It's been two days I try to connect and get that page: error 500, "Microsoft Technet. Sorry, we are unable ... blablablabla". First I try to send bugs reports of Seven's, but forum mustn't be bugged as well! Anyway it is a nice forum and there is an answer for, my way, I halfely agree with barth2k.

->> barth 2k

"1) if's great that the magnifier auto opens when i hit win & +. but when I zoom back out to 100%, I think it should automatically close too."

I agree.

"4) how about tweakUI for win 7? I'd like to get rid of various aero peek delays, for starter"

If tweak UI means tweak user interfaces, and if "get rid of" means "I'd like to have more", yes, I agree.

"much of the things that annoy people are there because they need to be there for newbies (and by newbies I don't mean people who aren't tech savvy; just people new to Windows or 7). it'd be nice to have different beginner / advanced / expert / custom modes, [...]"

I perfectly agree. With all the sensitive folders (C:/Windows) definitely hidden, no sensitive tasks supposed to be done by a beginner. A system perfectly stable. (Of course there is the Limited account, under the administrator, but that's not that yet). Possibility to switch, for you or me helping another, and finally, I am thinking, but it is a little different, but not so much, for a: "Windows Seven Developer Edition", where there is a coherent database of help and index or teaching about IP, TCP, RAM, CPU, C Languages, (F#??) principle data and all the things we have to know on The Windows System, to, if we have ideas, develop ourself applications we need then submit to Microsoft for aprovement with or not proprietary, with or not money making. This could be a good way for beginners who know a little 7 more than Mom
and, of course, who could interact with Microsoft team to make a World team. Ideas go to Microsoft, Microsoft has the OS with these Ideas. Microsoft has sold a DVD or Blu-ray of a solid Windows seven edition, including coherently all the free tools we could download and organized help. Make me step by step and drag and drop solutions and you are sure you will have a KODU maker, while he is not creating videogames, creatings Windows apps, which can be, let's remember, Genius!

;)

Zelda fan

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 19:57:06 Z

Hi,

I hope it's okay that i post which programs that works on Windows 7 Beta on my computer:

Games/Intertainment:
F.E.A.R. 2: Project Origin Single Player Demo (though the saves doesn't seem to exists when you restart
Windows 7 Beta in a dual-boot environment with Windows XP) The DEMO DOES autosave.

Hellgate London ver.1.3d runs without problems. (Except for some freezing problems, which i think is due to a trainer i use for it)

Media Monkey 3.0.6.1190 Media player

Work/Productivity:
Total Commander 7.04a works without problems

Robotask 3 Lite works, but sometimes index out of bounds messages is shown when creating new tasks, but is solved
by simply creating the task again.

Security/Antivirus/Antispam:
Norton 360 Beta worked well, but was only a 15 days trial, so I couldn't test this thoruoghly.

Kaspersky Antivirus 8.0.0.1015 Beta:
Works well so far without problems

System/Diagnose:
HWInfo32 v2.37-188 works in Windows XP SP 2 Compatability mode.

This is not a complete list. I have yet to test all my programs on Windows 7, but these i use for the most part.

Regards,
Rasmus Bertelsen

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 20:44:32 Z

Wow. That is all I can say. I bought an XP laptop about 4 months before Vista was released. My mom got one right after Vista was released. Same laptop, different OS. What a difference! Her computer was so sluggish! I was overjoyed that I had XP. I was just ready to make the switch to Mac when Windows 7 rolled around. AMAZING! Keep up the awesome work!

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:02:28 Z

Maybe I'm not understanding the way you guys are trying to use Libraries (or, the way MS intends people to use them) but personally I find them VERY useful. I admit I was a bit confused about them at first, but once I figured them out, I LOVE them. In fact, I will use them for everything.

Nothing illustrates this better than my home computer which has XP partition on 1 drive, along with all the "My Documents", "My Music", "My Videos" etc... Having Win7 on another partition, without Libraries the only way to get at these files, since I don't want to move them (i.e. I want to go back to using XP as normal if I want) would be to drill down thru "D: -> Documents and Settings -> Username -> etc..." OR to create shortcuts all over the place.

With Libraries, I just navigate (ONCE) to the folder and click "include in Library" BAM, done. Now every time I open up "My Music" I can see all my old music in XP, as well as anything in the Win7 "My XYZ" heirarchy.

Taking it a step further, on my work computer I have shortcuts to folders that I use frequently on the desktop. Some of these folders are local, but many are on other computers on the LAN. With XP/etc that's the only way to work. With Win7 Libraries I can create a library called i.e. "work stuff" and "include" all those other folders, then I have just 1 icon on my desktop that opens up a folder where I can see ALL the files and folders I need at a glance. I really love it actually.

Or at home, I have some Videos on my local computer, but most are on my media server/"HTPC". Worse, on the HTPC not all videos fit on hard drive the "My Videos" folder is on. I have 3 hard drives in there now, and I have to add shortcuts to the other drives inside "MY Videos" for ease of access. With Libraries, I just include all those folders in the Videos library and viola!

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:32:04 Z

I think you illustrated well what type of user Libraries is suited to, and the type of user who would turn ON the libraries functionality, that hopefully is shipped OFF by default. There are 2 types of users:

Those who already have their files organised neatly and all stored in one place. They will want nothing to do with libraries, which serve no purpose, and just complicate and 'fix' a task that isn't broken.
Those who have their files in several different network locations and/or hard disks/partitions, or who have not organised their files according to Vista's default folders (Documents, Videos, Pictures, Music). They will find libraries somewhat useful - although the gripes will remain (e.g. Videos library does not filter out non-video files for some reason, no way to exclude certain subfolders, etc., etc.)

The choice in whether to turn Libraries ON of OFF by default with Windows 7 is down to which of those 2 types of user is the more prevelent. My money is squarely on number 1, as I do not personally know anyone who falls into category 2, although it is fair enough if you are one of those who does.

To sum up, I understand why some people love libraries, and there is no 'right answer' as everyone is different. I fully accept some will want to use them, while others won't. MS have to go with the majority however, who I am certain do not want them on. And the minority can easily find the checkbox in Options to enable them!

Thanks, CJSnet

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:42:57 Z

Libraries seems like adding a feature for the sake of adding a feature, marketing to show people that 7 has some new features as compared to vista.

of all the people i know who don't even really organize their files nearly as carefully as i do, i don't think this feature would help any of them at all, in fact i can just see all the calls coming to me now about trying to figure out where their files are, where they are going, and how to get at them.

these are people who call me to find out where their file went when they downloaded it it firefox, or trying to figure out how to play a music file since their music is "in" itunes, they actually don't even know that a file actually exists on their computer and that they can do whatever they want with it from any program other than just itunes.

these people will have a crazy time trying to wrap their heads around libraries, and since for at least all of them, libraries actually serve no purpose at all, except to confuse them even more, i can't see why we would enable this by default.

experienced users who have control over their file organization would shut this feature off, and users who don't really even understand where their files are, and going to be flaberghasted....

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 21:57:42 Z

The worst thing about Libraries is it will encourage user sloppiness in where they store files. "Oh whatever, I'll just save it wherever it prompts me to - libraries will help me find it later". This isn't a 'good' thing, despite how it may look. Because when MS phase out libraries due to complaints, or replace them with their next new idea, that user's hard disk will be a complete mess. Furthermore, the more different places files are stored in, searches across all folders will take progressively longer.

I much prefer (and know others agree) to have all my documents in the Documents folder, then when I want to search, I just go into documents, and Windows quite quickly searches only that folder's contents.

Please rate this post if you found it useful. Thanks, CJSnet

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:08:25 Z

walk2k:

Do you know about MKLINK? If not, just drop down to the Command prompt and type MKLINK /? . Experiment with it a little, then tell me if I'm wrong. It impressed me that Microsoft's new Library scheme is just a cheap trick made to look like magic. And now you see, as an advanced user, you could've had that Library convenience all along. And not just restricted to the opening of Windows Explorer. But anywhere you like.

But the way Microsoft did it, it's only going to confuse and inconvenience the other 300 million Americans. At least, those who understand what a folder is at all.

The ironic thing is, again maybe I misunderstood, I thought Microsoft contrived this Library thing to simplify things for exactly them: those who didn't understand folders. So they collected everything together and called it a "Library", a term familiar from Media Player. And while they were at it, they also re-used the familiar term "Favorite" from IE7.

Maybe I'm wrong about all of this. Maybe. Just give me back one-click Directory-Tree access, and maybe I'll reinstall Win7. Maybe.

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:11:23 Z

Ditto. Funny how people don't mind having to typing in SUDO or do a SU - command, but when it comes to acknowledging a simple button, everyone wants to throw their arms in the air.

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:13:31 Z

I agree absolutely. My mother bless her still calls a Word document a "folder". God forbid everyone in her boat if they throw another type of folder into the mix with Libraries. She's still struggling with how a shortcut can make a document (ahem "Folder" as she puts it) appear in 2 places at once.

I couldn't agree more about their use of the word Favourites on the left of the explorer window also! I have also given them feedback about this. I just can't believe who comes up with these ideas and thinks they won't confuse people - even in a widely distributed public beta it is unforgivable. I suggested calling them 'Favourite Links' instead.

Please rate this post if you found it useful. Thanks, CJSnet

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:39:56 Z

barth2k said:

CJSnet said:

.
.
.

1) I want to add individual files. I want to create a library of wallpapers, composed of pictures I plucked out from different folders at whims. I have to create a wallpaper folder, include it in the library, and add shortcuts of the pictures to it. But shortcuts get treated as shortcuts so I don't get nice thumbnail previews. (Why can't we have symbolic links already?) I could copy the files, but it's unnecessary duplication.

.
.
.

I know this was not the subject of your post, but both Windows Vista and 7 fully support symbolic links via the MKLINK command.

However, it would be nice to have an option named “Create Symbolic Link Here” available from the right-click context menu.

Here is an example for you Microsoft:

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 22:49:31 Z

Yay!

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Mon, 02 Feb 2009 23:51:24 Z

For the link, I tell why not, while I dunno how I will use it but maybe it could improve my power in Windows configuration. I'm always for adding an option to the right-click, I love the direct-scans of my antivirus, of course create folders, copy cut paste, play with, this could be this option but as this suggestion I would like tell me if you vote for me: A cancellation of loading a .exe file. Some take too long, sometimes (precisely on the libraries) we can double click by error if there isn't any icon, and if the exe file is BIG, worst is loaded from DVD-ROM, then a "Cancel" option would be simple as the red cross does for windows internet explorer loading pages.

A reply to a post upper:

-->> "She's still struggling with how a shortcut can make a document (ahem "Folder" as she puts it) appear in 2 places at once".
-> Then think back to the possibility of one thing in two different places with Quantic Physic! Windows (and computers) Help virtually to begin to admit those "strange" propreties;) And, may beleiving in God let us ease understanding of unnormal things and admit joy and surprising things, and maybe, too, to tolerate (and forgive), others preferences. Libraries just suit me well.

Zelda fan

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Tue, 03 Feb 2009 15:34:32 Z

where is DreamScene my wife is refusing to move to 7 with out it. at least make it an add on.

perona

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Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:45:18 Z

Although I haven't yet got around to testing the beta, there IS one thing I've wanted to pitch in with ever since I tried Linux:

Windows Update. Why oh why do we have to open IE for that single operation? OK, web-based updating has its charm, and I'm sure the ASPX-coding is super-nifty (I honestly respect that, don't get the wrong idea), but compare the current (WinXP) Microsoft Update with...

sudo apt-get update && sudo apt-get upgrade [Enter]

I'm thinking of something like that Apple Software Updater you get with the iTunes/QuickTime installer. You know, a smaller, dedicated application. Hell, if you wish, you could have it start IE if the user wants more information on some update or other.

(Also, on the laptop I'm currently typing from, I'm absolutely unable to update from IE6. It might have some significance to my opinion...)

Another thing. I can accept that I might come across as an eccentric, but I personally am no friend of design for design's sake. Mkay? Though the older style wasn't the hottest cat in town, at least it didn't look like it'd shatter if you so much as sneezed at it. I'm sure the new UI has its merits, but I'd feel better about bigger freedom to customize (supposed to be in already - haven't seen it in action yet), more options (=art) to customize with, perhaps an option or five to do something strange to the taskbar besides adding icons... Perhaps this PowerShell can be utilized to manufacture some scripts to such effects?
And then, of course, there's the little snag that more choices means more time needed to set everything to your liking.

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Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:52:03 Z

Arve Eriksson said:

Windows Update. Why oh why do we have to open IE for that single operation?

you don't... just launch windows update from the start menu, or just let the updates download and install in the background without ever bothering you. check your update options from the control panel... you may just not have it set up correctly....

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Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:01:36 Z

Hm... You certainly have a point there. I generally check manually, though - it feels more controlled that way. Does this background WU-process check out each and every applicable update, though? Like SPs, .NET-revisions, whatever else?

Well, anyway, I meant the manual updating (never used the automated thing much, if at all). Clicking MS Update on the Start-menu launches IE when it could launch this hypothetical smaller dedicated app instead. Hop to it, Americans!

I'll also add that this marketing device of naming just about everything Live [something-or-other] is driving me bonkers, but I suppose that's not really up to me... (Considers the Linux naming-conventions...) Um, why don't I just shut up for a bit.

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Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:07:41 Z

Arve Eriksson said:

snip.... Clicking MS Update on the Start-menu launches IE when it could launch this hypothetical smaller dedicated app instead. Hop to it, Americans!

hummm... strange.... clicking on the start menu for me on xp and vista launches a seperate smaller dedicated app almost identical to the mac version of this.... do you have sp2 at least installed on your xp machine?

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Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:16:06 Z

PRAISE:

1) Win+P is awesome. my PC doubles as my HTPC, and this simple trick may be the most useful new feature for me.

2) search box in start menu -- I use this mostly rather than try to navigate the non flyout menu or dig through control panel to find the right dialog that'll let me change something.

3) performance: close to XP. 7 beats XP on faster startup of both OS and programs. since most of the time, most apps just sit idle, faster startup = greater perceived speed.

games are a little slower, but not enough to be really noticeable. with a lowly 7600gt, I don't game much anyway.

the most CPU intensive I do is s/w decoding of h264 HD. unfortunately, 7 falls short on this count. using coreavc+MPC, h264 decoding uses about 15 more percentage point than in XP, so video files that peak at 90% in XP will max out my x2 3800+ and I see some stutters and dropped frames. I hope performance will improve with the RC and RTM.

REQUEST:

1) can you please make drag and drop default action a little smarter? for ex., when I drag a .exe to the desktop, rarely do I want to move or copy it there. In fact, it's a bad idea, since the program will likely not run or create a whole bunch of files right on the desktop. so why is that the default action when the logical one is create shortcut here?

I know you're probably doing it this way for consistency, but consistency shouldn't get in the way of good sense.

or: I want to email a .doc to someone. I drag it to the mail program's icon on the taskbar and the default action is "pin to Word". huh? It's always been slightly annoying that I can't drag and drop on a program's icon in the taskbar but have to wait for the window to pop up. But this new default action is a little baffling. (Not that it isn't useful, it's just not what I'd expect. this happens when you drop a file anywhere on the taskbar; it'll ask if you want to pin it to the file's default handler. but when I drag it to a specific icon, I have something else in mind.)

Wouldn't it be more logical to allow me to drop a file on a running program's taskbar icon and have 7 programmatically restore the app's window and "drop" the file in for me, or start that program with that file if the app's not already running?

or: when I drag a folder to a library (not to a folder inside the library, but onto the library itself), the default action should be include in library, not copy to it.

2) can we have prettier icons? 7's shell icons are nice enough but they look about 5 years old and don't really go with the aero look. the start button is kinda ugly, and the glow when you mouse over it is a little too much with the corona. the glow on the other taskbar icons are much more pleasing.

3) a bit of visual differentiation b/t folders and non-folders in the start menu, aside from the folder icon. speaking of which, the folder icons are a little too pale and don't provide enough contrast with a white background.

BUGS:

1) sometimes my wallpapers just disappear. just a black desktop. changing the theme or wallpaper does not work. only a logoff or reboot fixes it.

2) maybe related: show desktop, right click recycle bin, choose empty. nothing happens. restore any window, then minimize it, then I see the empty recycle bin confirm dialog.

3) often my taskbar window preview is just blank. if I click on the icon to show the window, the preview shows again. I have a nvidia 7600Gt w/ 256M dedicated memory.

thank you for reading.

PS: thanks for the heads up on mklink. oddly enough, powershell doesn't recognize the command, but good old cmd does.

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Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:27:56 Z

lord_helmet: I'm on XP SP3, and clicking MS Update launches IE (or, rather, the URL update.microsoft.com). If I click on the WU-icon in the systray, though, it behaves exactly like you describe. It would be nice if it did this on manual runs...

barth2k: "Lowly" GeForce 7600GT?? Sonny, I'm taking this baby for a spin on a Radeon 9600 AGP!

Also, regarding your #1 request, I sometimes move exes from one place to another, never ever wanting to make a shortcut. These are, however, installers or small applets. Maybe you'd have more mileage out of "Make shortcut here" and then moving the shortcut?

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Tue, 03 Feb 2009 17:31:59 Z

Arve Eriksson said:

barth2k: "Lowly" GeForce 7600GT?? Sonny, I'm taking this baby for a spin on a Radeon 9600 AGP!

make a shortcut to this.... and use it to launch the app instead of IE

C:\Windows\System32\wuapp.exe

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Tue, 03 Feb 2009 20:19:36 Z

The first computer I worked on had 750 Vacuum tubes, so I have been at this a while. Looking back over the Windows NT family, the Vista to Windows "7" (6.1) transition has proven to be one of the very smoothest, if not the smoothest I have seen. The features are excellent, particularly the libraries. This one is ready for prime time.

I was in the Vista beta, and considering the major changes inside that OS, I thought it worked very well. Most of the complaints about Vista that I have heard are either from people who have not tried it, or from people who respond badly to both changes and instuctions about them. Anyone who lived through Millinium Edition has got to love both Vista and Windows 7.

Now, if I can just get this doggone IE-8 to quit re-starting tabs.... (Actually, installing Java seemed to help quite a bit).

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Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:15:13 Z

FWhiting said:

Well, ok, the term Library no longer refers to rooms stacked to the ceiling and acrid from the odor of paper-tape reels and punch-cards. But just what exactly are you doing with them now that you find so compelling? I mean, seriously, I didn't find the benefit that has so delighted you. I am obviously missing something. In fact, I found its implementation to be yet another obstacle to getting at my files. I'm willing to learn a new trick. Please give an example.

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Tue, 03 Feb 2009 21:18:43 Z

FWhiting said:

The features are excellent, particularly the libraries. This one is ready for prime time.

yes, please tell me what you do with them that makes them so great, i would love to use them, but as of yet can't really find any compelling reason to do so, let me know how you are using them so i can give it a shot!

thanks!!!

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Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:27:54 Z

You want a tip? Create a sub-folder in libraries named downloads and then you have the exact same type of "My Documents" but just with something more: A folder richer, named "Documents".
Where is the brain obstacle?
Then when you download and save from Internet explorer, libraries open directly to let you choose video, image folder, or any folder you've just created.
That's the ease of acces.

Zelda fan

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Tue, 03 Feb 2009 23:19:51 Z

elfesylvain said:

Zelda fan

ha ha, i hope you were being sarcastic!

that sounds so complicated, i don't even understand what is happening there....

so i think you have proved the point, libraries don't add anything except confusion, thank you.

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Wed, 04 Feb 2009 01:09:24 Z

Here are my thoughts. I'm a coder and have been working with Windows since 3.1. At work and home I've been equally working with Vista & XP very heavily. As far as day-to-day workflow goes there is no difference between Vista & XP - no advantages or disadvantages, the experience is exactly the same. A slight advantage XP has at work over Vista is that XP can handle the driver for the second video card to run the third monitor, whilst Vista doesn't support the same card (I have not attempted to install Windows 7 at work).

I installed Windows 7 beta 1 at home and it installed drivers for hardware that vista had trouble with, and also installed software that vista had trouble with (a scite installer that I made with WiX - on Vista the shell extension does not run properly; it works perfectly on Windows 7 & XP). Apart from the smooth install I was disappointed at first that Windows 7 looked like a jazzed up Vista. There was nothing that jumped out as being "better" except the security warnings were easier to turn off and it looked prettier than Vista.

I had a fair bit of coding I needed to do at home over the weekend, so decided to test the feel of Windows 7 by giving it a workout with a heavy coding session over a day and a half. It only took a little while for it to sink in that workflow on Windows 7 is FAR BETTER than XP or Vista. Flicking between multiple windows, including multiple IE & Chrome windows containing multiples of tabs as well as three code development windows, a database management application & several text editors was a breeze. With all those applications open, XP & Vista start to lag on context menus, the start menu and folder accesses in windows explorer. Windows 7 maintained a consistently fast experience over a day-and-a half of punishing it with my multiple open apps. The new taskbar functionality also improves workflow - significantly so.

Most casual users will probably not be inspired to upgrade, but power users who get a taste of the improved workflow via a better interface will be impressed enough to move to it. And that's before we see any final improvements before RTM/W.

It's now pretty clear that bloggers dissing Windows 7 have only looked at the interface and features, but have not attempted to give the O/S a real workout to fully realise the better experience.

Great work Microsoft, now eagerly looking forward to release.

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Wed, 04 Feb 2009 02:50:17 Z

elfesylvain said:

Zelda fan

I think I get libraries and I have no idea what you just said :) let me give it a shot.

Windows has always had aliases for certain folders. e.g., my documents, my pictures, etc. These are just user friendly names for folders like c:\users\bob\documents. It's certainly easier to pick "my documents" from a list than navigate to the actual location.

Now that 7 has introduced homegroup to let users easily share files, we now have (public) documents, (public) music, etc. in addition to the my ______ folders. MS realized it'd be too messy to have double the number of aliases, so they gave us Libraries, to group the corresponding my ___ and public ____ together. While they were at it, they realized now they had a chance to let users make up their own arbitrary aliases rather than be limited to the predefined ones ( 'documents', 'pictures', 'videos'). Also, since libraries would be a waste of effort if they could only contain my ___ and public ________, they let you add arbitrary number of folders to it, incl. network folders. Ta da, libraries is born.

This is my guess, anyway, of how they arrived at it. They could've taken any number of other paths. If someone knows better, pls by all means chime in.

So what is it good for? It may seem pretty pointless at first. Before, you could pick 'my documents' > 'downloaded web pages'; now you have to pick 'libraries' > 'documents' > 'downloaded web pages'. Just one more level of abstraction you don't need. But if you have a folder called C:\users\bobs\documents\practice\dictation\2009 and you access it frequently, you can just create a 'current dictation' library and include it. (caveat: you have to navigate to the actual folder to include it in the new library; you can't navigate to it from the documents library. there may be a technical reason for this, but it seems to me like a pointless stumbling block.)

Where it really comes in handy is if you have files scattered across partition and drives. I have a bunch of mp3 on disk0, added disk1 and stuck a bunch more on it. I can now include both in the music library. I can also include a folder from my downstairs PC, or a NAS (if I had one). If I have a bunch of win7 machines and they're in a homegroup, it looks like I can share them with one click (well, maybe a few clicks).

What I find it annoying is when you include a folder, it includes all the subfolders recursively too. I may want to include the root folder only, or exclude certain folders. But nope, it's all or nothing. Maybe I want to filter by date or size, or metadata like tags or author. Last but not least, I can't include individual files. I can't pluck out arbitrary files and put them in a library; they have to be in a common folder first.

Libraries feel half done to me. A more complete implementation wouldn't have left people scratching their heads wondering "what's this for? why did they bother?"

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Wed, 04 Feb 2009 03:04:24 Z

What I have learnt from using Win 7 and reading comments near and far is that this edition is really a bugfix and reliability update to Vista. It's really a standalone service pack for what Vista should have been. Vista was hyped as Revolutionary while Win 7 is advertised as fast and more reliable, so its more evolutionary than anything else. In all of MS history the real revolution was with Win 95 and XP.

I actually like Windows 7 for what it is even in the beta stage. I had to print something quickly and didn't have a driver installed for a Canon MP 970. Soon as I hooked up the printer and turned it on Windows downloaded and installed the driver. Excellent! That's REAL Plug and Play. Most programs I have installed have worked flawlessly although there seemed to be issues with Quicktime and Itunes.

One thing that I have concerns about is that in this age of Docks, Coverflow, Dashboard, Expose and Spaces, Win 7 is starting to look a bit old fashioned and clunky to use. And with Mac OSX promising a new 3D interface I think Windows risks being left far behind. The Start Menu and Taskbar are a case in point. While there have been some cosmetic improvements it still works basically the same as in Win 95! And then there is the ancient Registry and Dlls. These should be dumped and replaced with a more streamlined and secure system. Apple bit the bullet in 2001 and completely revised its OS 9 to become OSX. I'm not saying Windows has to look and function like OSX. But what about simplifying things yet with a radical and aesthetically pleasing interface. Think of Places and Locations rather than Directories and Folders. Give everything a Webpage look for easier navigating and getting things done. Use Icons and Buttons more. Its probably too late for anything mentioned to be implemented in Win 7 but there's still time for change in Windows 8.

So what happens now? Well, those who have held off upgrading from XP to Vista may finally make the switch. Those who ended with Vista, mainly via a new PC, may feel cheated as the Wow Starts Now has well and truly worn off its welcome. They will more than likely purchase an upgrade edition of Win 7 when the price is right.

The problem then is which edition. I think many people were initially confused with all the Vista choices (and still are) that MS has its work cut out to show what you lose or gain between Basic and Ultimate. Again with OSX its just 2 choices. Standard and Server. Okay, MS does not manufacture PCs so there is room for scalability. Maybe whittle it down to just 4 choices; Premium, Business, Ultimate and Server.

Good luck and Goodnight.

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Wed, 04 Feb 2009 05:09:03 Z

I wouldn't go so far as saying Windows is useless; like any OS it has it pros and cons. I use Mac OSX Leopard because it is a heck of a lot safer than Windows. Less chance of picking a virus or other malware. But I still use an Antivirus just in case. Now, I've dabbled with various Linux distros and my response is that it has a lot going for it but lacks the slick presentation of Windows. Many of its apps are very simple and restricted but that is rapidly changing. Of course you can't beat the price! Actually, a lot of people use Linux without realising it; Linux runs most of the web and is embedded in a a lot of consumer devices. Many people using PCs have never even heard of Linux. People now know about Macs and OSX thanks to the phenomenal success of the IPOD and IPHONE. Microsoft has a massive advertising budget and can get its product advertised on TV, Radio, Print and the Web. Seen any TV ads for Knoppix lately? Of course not, there aren't the resources available to the community. And Windows is almost totally blind in recognising Linux and OSX partitions or files.

Another factor is that most people are reluctant to move out of their comfort zone and jump into an relatively unknown OS. Windows has been around a long time and people have gotten used to it. The other stumbling block is the large variety of Distros available. Which do you choose...Ubuntu or Dreamlinux? With Dell offering Linux as an alternative to windows there may be a greater market penetration, but not by much. Linux has its best chance with Netbooks. Vista is too slow on the cheaper ones. But MS has jumped in with a special version of XP bundled with many Netbooks so beating Linux again.

In the final analysis it all boils down to personal choice. What works for you and you are comfortable using. No one OS is better than the other apart from maybe Windows ME! My choice is OSX but I am no fan of Iphoto. Thank goodness Picasa is now available for Leopard! Picasa has to to rate as one of the best programs free or not on any platform for the average user. Google is great! Say, when are THEY going to release an OS? One that is totally Web based. Watch Out Everybody!

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Wed, 04 Feb 2009 05:19:40 Z

Just a couple things id like to see:

1. options to make the start menu a little more like the classic, or actual classic, for users that find it more efficient.

2. easy to understand versions of W7 being sold, limited types is the best description i guess.

3. Better networking that will integrate with older systems file sharing. have had many issues with sharing on a workgroup.

4. please make it easier to turn on functions like quicklaunch.

As for the core OS, this thing is quick and stable and a great step in Microsofts history. i have never seen a beta i have been so impressed with. Thank you MS for renewing my faith in your commitment to making a worthy product.

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Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:01:54 Z

2. easy to understand versions of W7 being sold, limited types is the best description i guess.

http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/02/official-windows-7-skus-revealed-six-editions.ars

Can't say I agree but it's official now.

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Wed, 04 Feb 2009 06:05:59 Z

Vistaline said:

http://arstechnica.com/microsoft/news/2009/02/official-windows-7-skus-revealed-six-editions.ars

Can't say I agree but it's official now.

DOH!

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Wed, 04 Feb 2009 11:12:49 Z

ebswift said:

Here are my thoughts. I'm a coder and have been working with Windows since 3.1.... Flicking between multiple windows, including multiple IE & Chrome windows containing multiples of tabs as well as three code development windows, a database management application & several text editors was a breeze. With all those applications open... punishing it with my multiple open apps... Most casual users will probably not be inspired to upgrade, but power users who get a taste of the improved workflow via a better interface will be impressed enough to move to it...

...bloggers dissing Windows 7 have only looked at the interface and features, but have not attempted to give the O/S a real workout to fully realise the better experience.

Great work Microsoft, now eagerly looking forward to release.

Coming from the Win3.1 era, I expect you're familiar with the editor called Brief. You could simultaneously edit your entire project of say 40 source modules with the simple msdos command B *.ASM (or Windows equivalent), remember? So, multiple editing sessions is not really challenging punishment for Win7, is it? You didn't mention if you were actively running MDK debugger and compilers and so forth. Nor did I see internet streaming, feeds, or the like. I would suppose today's Power Users would also have HDTV, music, some games, P2P, maybe even home network bridging in the mix. So, while I'm very encouraged by your testimonial, I frankly think your computer use is just as tame as mine.

But I am curious. You seem to suggest you were somewhat disappointed with some features. What might those be? Maybe if Microsoft hears about them from simple users like us, there will be forthcoming improvements before the final release.

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Wed, 04 Feb 2009 17:19:46 Z

Gadgets - they are so basic compared to freeware apps and offer no real functionality. When you hover the mouse over them they display the close and settings buttons - there should be a way to lock them so this doesn't keep showing up.

UI - Its better than vista, most of the blue/green seems to have been removed which is nice. I don't like the glass effect, I wish there were more options than just changing the color of the glass as it seems so bulky. What I really notice is the diagonal lines which run through window bars and the task bar, I guess they are meant to give a kind of reflected look but the lines never move with the window. It almost looks like the desktop has big diagonal lines that are hidden from view unless you pull a window around the desktop to reveal them underneath the glass view. A lot of people don't like the translucent boxes that appear over icons when you move your mousse over them.

Options - Why does there seem to be less control over Windows 7 than there was in previous versions before Vista. Why can I not decide what buttons are displayed in the photo viewer, maybe I don't need any as I only use it to view pictures quickly. Why can I not decide to hide the buttons to size my icons or remove the search bar - why do they have to be there when I may require something else or another applications icon there. Windows was supposed to be getting more control over but most of the same problems we have all moaned about for years are still there. I see very few new options for the UI, I see lots of old options renamed and placed in a different location but thats about it. I want a OS that changes depending on what i need and doesn't just presume what i want is the same as a new user or my parents.

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Wed, 04 Feb 2009 23:50:31 Z

It would be nice if the Start Menu could be resized vertically by dragging the top edge. I've found that it can be resized by digging through the Start Menu Properties, but I would like to be able to use the mouse for this.

Also, the "All Programs" group in the Start Menu is too small. Can we get an option to allow the Start Menu to resize vertically as the All Programs group is expanded? I've put together a screenshot of what it could look like:

Autogrow Start Menu - Screenshot

Thanks!

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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:05:08 Z

I must say as a user who has been using Linux more and more lately, this is a step in the the right direction to win me back. I like Windows 7 a lot. This has been the most stable version of Windows I have ever used. I have used Windows since 3.0. So thank you for all your hard work.

I have noticed one bug that occured recently, where the Taskbar, Titlebars, and Window Frames would come back like TV static after I return from Standby. I sent Feedback.

I have a few thoughts that I have submitted feedback for and I feel I should post here for others to comment on:

1.) If the set up used for Windows 7 is going to remain till the final edition, then I would like to see some customization options. I would like to see options for how to set up the screen, location of Taskbar even going into wallpapering and such.

2.) Provide a setup option and control panel applet to control location of Program Files folder and other windows folder locations. I would love to be able to have the option to move the Program Files Folder to drive H: or X:

3.) I don't really like teh desktop preview as it is. I think it would be more beneficial if I could move the mouse to any of the four corners and allowing me to control how long I hold the mouse in those locations.

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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:09:59 Z

That is very dissapointing to see the seven editions of Windows 7. I can understand a commercial version and a home version but to come out with 7 versions will only serve to confuse consumers. Especially when you look at the "starter edition" which artifially limits you to 3 applications running at once. The windows team should ask themselves if competing OSes would ever limit users to only 3 apps at once or if they would even have 7 distinct editions. The only thing Micorosft would be doing there is serving a softball to the Apple marketing dept. Quite frankly I can't blame Apple if they do jump on that.

As far as the version I'm running right now which of course is the beta I love it. I really find it hard to complain about anything. Performance seems to be improved, the interface is easy to use, search is better, etc. Well OK I do have one complaint and that is IE8 is still very crash prone. And does not work on all sites. Some serious improvements need to be done here. I was also involved in the Firefox 3 beta and that was much further along at this point in develpment.

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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:11:36 Z

egads said:

ebswift said:

The source code windows were specifically 1 instance of VS2008, two instances of VWD2008, one instance of sharpoint developer, 3-4 instances of scite. The database development window was VistaDB 3 data builder. Those were also combined with IE2008 (multiple tabs) and multiple instances of google chrome.

My definition of 'Power User' is someone who needs to continually perform a number of tasks with a number of applications all utilised to reach a larger objective in a timely manner. Generally the power user will stretch the resources of the computer and will be looking to shorten repetitive tasks. Power users will become quickly frustrated where repetitive tasks significantly lag (i.e. you want a right-click to respond instantly, you want a windows explorer folder selection to be instant, you want the start menu to jump to attention, and you want it to be easy to flick between tasks and transfer information between applications). Of course there are 'other' power users with other priorities, but I'm a coder so my priority is in workflow - time & motion. I am not a robot, but you want to concentrate on the code at hand, not lose concentration to frustration. In that respect, system priority needs to be directed to user interaction... which Win7 appears to have nailed. My workflow noticeably improved... for once I wasn't distracted by frustration, but instead distracted looking for some kind of the usual lag which never occurred.

My initial disappointment was seeing same-old, same-old - having to reboot after major updates is something I thought MS would try to eliminate. Who knows they might surprise us before release. I noticed the same old crappy experience with windows explorer lagging in displaying networked drives which were turned on after Windows 7 had booted up - I had to fully qualify the address in the address bar before some of them showed up (rebooting aleviates this). Any speed improvement in boot-up is marginal. It is still slow. It will also be interesting to see if I.E. still experiences orphaned processes that screw up all I.E. processes. I'll think of more things later.

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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:12:35 Z

ChrisBinOhio said:

I agree with this but Linux is still better.

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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:24:49 Z

Matt_London said:

You can reduce the size of the glass border so it will not be very bulky for you. - > Click on desktop, Choose Personalization, Click on Windows Colors, Click on Advance appearance settings, look for item "Border Padding" and set the size to 1 or 2. There you have it.

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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:27:46 Z

Yes, I guess Linux is the best, that's why only 10% use it. On an individual and corporate level - from first world countries to emerging developing countries, Definitely tLinux is the best.

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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:29:16 Z

If 10 percent of the computer users who use linux says it's better, or the best, who are the 90 percent MS OS users to say it's not????

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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:31:25 Z

Sigh......Only if Linux is used by 90 percent of the market, then and only then would I agree that it's the best....Until then....I would say it is not, for how can it be better or best with only 10 percent market share, statistics cannot support that claim...too farfetched.

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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:45:10 Z

Funny, there seems to be more Windows 7 beta users than there are Linux Users....And Linux it better???

Our Next Engineering Milestone

Many posts start with a thank you and I want to start this post with an extra special thank you on behalf of the entire Windows team for all the installs and usage we are seeing of the Windows 7 Beta. We’ve had millions of installations of Windows 7 from which we are receiving telemetry, which is simply incredible. And from those who click on the “Send Feedback” button we are receiving detailed bug reports and of course many suggestions. There is simply no way we could move from Beta through Final Release of Windows 7 without this type of breadth coverage and engagement from you in the development cycle. There’s been such an incredible response, with many folks even blogging about how they have moved to using Windows 7 Beta on all their machines and have been super happy. The question we get most often is “if the Beta expires in August what will I do—I don’t want to return to my old [sic] operating system.” For a Beta release, that is quite a complement and we’re very appreciative of such a kind response.

This post is about the path from where we are today, Beta, to our RTM (Release To Manufacturing), building on the discussion of this topic that started at the PDC. This post is in no way an announcement of a ship date, change in plans, or change in our previously described process, but rather it provides additional detail and a forward looking view of the path to RTM and General Availability. The motivation for this, in addition to the high level of interest in Windows 7, is that we’re now seeing how releasing Windows is not something that Microsoft does “solo”, but rather is something that we do as one part of the overall PC ecosystem. Obviously we have a big responsibility to do our part, one we take very seriously of course. The last stages of a Windows release are a partnership across the entire ecosystem working to make sure that the incredible variety of choices you have for PCs, software, and peripherals work together to bring you a complete and satisfying Windows 7 experience.

The next milestone for the development of Windows 7 is the Release Candidate or “RC”. Historically the Release Candidate has signaled “we’re pretty close and we want people to start testing the release, especially because all the features are done.” As we have said before, with Windows 7 we chose a slightly different approach which we were clear up front about and are all now experiencing together and out in the open. The Pre-Beta from the PDC was a release where we said it was substantially API complete and even for the areas that were not in the release we detailed the APIs and experience in the sessions at the PDC. At that time we announced that the Beta test in early 2009 would be both API and feature complete, widely available, and would be the only Beta test. We continued this dialog with our hardware partners at WinHEC. We also said that many ecosystem partners including PC makers, software vendors, hardware makers will, as has been the case, continue to receive interim builds on a regular basis. This is where we stand today. We’ve released the feature complete Beta and have made it available broadly around the world (though we know folks have requested even more languages). As a development team we’re doing just what many of you do, which is choosing to run the Beta full time on many PCs at home and work (personally I have at least 9 different machines running it full time) and we’re running it on many thousands of individual’s machines inside Microsoft, and thousands of machines in our labs as well.

All the folks running the Beta are actively contributing to fixing it. We’re getting performance telemetry, application compatibility data, usage information, and details on device requirements among other areas. This data is very structured and very actionable. We have very high-bandwidth relationships with partners and good tools to help each other to deliver a great experience. One thing you might be seeing is that hardware and software vendors might be trying out updated drivers / software enhanced for Windows 7. For example, many of the anti-virus vendors already have released compatibility packs or updates that are automatically applied to your running installation. You might notice, for example, that many GPU chipsets are being recognized and Windows 7 downloads the updated WDDM 1.1 drivers. While the Windows Vista drivers work as expected, the new 1.1 drivers provide enhanced performance and a reduced memory footprint, which can make a big difference on 1GB shared memory machines. You might insert a device and receive a recently updated version of a driver as I did for a Logitech QuickCam. Another example some of you might have seen is that the Beta requires a an updated version of Skype software currently in testing. When you go to install the old version you get an error message and then the problem and solutions user interface kicks in and you are redirected to the Beta site. This type of error handling is deployed in real time as we learn more and as the ecosystem builds out support. It is only because of our partnerships across the ecosystem that such efforts are possible, even during the Beta.

Of course, it is worth reiterating that our design point is that devices and software that work on Windows Vista and are still supported by the manufacturer will work on Windows 7 with the same software. There are classes of software and devices that are Windows-version specific for a variety of reasons, as we have talked about, and we continue to work together to deliver great solutions for Windows 7. The ability to provide people the vast array of choices and the openness of the Windows platform make all of this a massive undertaking. We continue to work to improve this while also making sure we provide the opportunities for choice and differentiation that are critical to the health and variety of the overall ecosystem. This data and the work we’re doing together with partners is the critical work going on now to reach the Release Candidate phase.

We’re also looking carefully at all the quality metrics we gather during the Beta. We investigate crashes, hangs, app compat issues, and also real-world performance of key scenarios. A very significant portion of our effort from Beta to RC is focused on exclusively on quality and performance. We want to fix bugs experienced by customers in real usage as well as our broad base of test suites and automation. A key part of this work is to fix the bugs that people really encounter and we do so by focusing our efforts on the data we receive to drive the ordering and priority of which bugs to fix. As Internet Explorer has moved to Release Candidate, we’ve seen this at work and also read about it on IE Blog.

Of course the other work we’re doing is refining the final product based on all the real-world usage and feedback. We’ve received a lot of verbatim feedback regarding the user experience—whether that is default settings, keyboard shortcuts, or desired options to name a few things. Needless to say just working through, structuring, and “tallying” this feedback is a massive undertaking and we have folks dedicated to doing just that. At the peak we were receiving one “Send Feedback” note every 15 seconds! As we’ve talked about in this blog, we receive a lot of feedback where we must weigh the opinions we receive because we hear from all sides of an issue—that’s to be expected and really the core design challenge. We also receive feedback where we thought something was straight forward or would work fine, but in practice needed some tuning and refinement. Over the next weeks we’ll be blogging about some of these specific changes to the product. These changes are part of the process and part of the time we have scheduled between Beta and RC.

So right now, every day we are researching issues, resolving them, and making sure those resolutions did not cause regressions (in performance, behavior, compatibility, or reliability). The path to Release Candidate is all about getting the product to a known and shippable state both from an internal and external (Beta usage and partner ecosystem readiness) standpoint.

We will then provide the Release Candidate as a refresh for the Beta. We expect, based on our experience with the Beta, a broad set of folks to be pretty interested in trying it out.

With the RC, this process of feedback based on telemetry then repeats itself. However at this milestone we will be very selective about what changes we make between the Release Candidate and the final product, and very clear in communicating them. We will act on the most critical issues. The point of the Release Candidate is to make sure everyone is ready for the release and that there is time between the Release Candidate and our release to PC makers and manufacturing to validate all the work that has gone on since the pre-Beta. Again, we expect very few changes to the code. We often “joke” that this is the point of lowest productivity for the development team because we all come to work focused on the product but we write almost no code. That’s the way it has to be—the ship is on the launch pad and all the tools are put away in the toolbox to be used only in case of the most critical issues.

As stated up front, this is a partnership and the main thing going on during this phase of the project is really about ecosystem readiness. PC makers, software vendors, hardware makers all have their own lead times. The time to prepare new products, new configurations, software updates, and all the collateral that goes with that means that Windows 7 cannot hit the streets (so to speak) until everyone has time to be ready together. Think of all those web sites, download pages, how-to articles, training materials, and peripheral packages that need to be created—this takes time and knowing that the Release Candidate is the final code that we’re all testing out in the open is reassuring for the ecosystem. Our goal is that by being deliberate, predictable, and reliable, the full PC experience is available to customers.

We also continue to build out our compatibility lists, starting with logo products, so that our http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility site is a good resource for people starting with availability. All of these come together with the PC makers creating complete “images” of Windows 7 PCs, including the full software, hardware, and driver loads. This is sort of a rehearsal for the next steps.

At that point the product is ready for release and that’s just what we will do. We might even follow that up with a bit of a celebration!

There’s one extra step which is what we call General Availability or GA. This step is really the time it takes literally to “fill the channel” with Windows PCs that are pre-loaded with Windows 7 and stock the stores (online or in-person) with software. We know many folks would like us to make the RTM software available right away for download, but this release will follow our more established pattern. GA also allows us time to complete the localization and ready Windows for a truly worldwide delivery in a relatively small window of time, a smaller window for Windows 7 than any previous release. It is worth noting that the Release Candidate will continue to function long enough so no one should worry and everyone should feel free to keep running the Release Candidate.

So to summarize briefly:

Pre-Beta – This release at the PDC introduced the developer community to Windows 7 and represents the platform complete release and disclosure of the features.
Beta – This release provided a couple of million folks the opportunity to use feature complete Windows 7 while also providing the telemetry and feedback necessary for us to validate the quality, reliability, compatibility, and experience of Windows 7. As we said, we are working with our partners across the ecosystem to make sure that testing and validation and development of Windows 7-based products begins to enter final phases as we move through the Beta.
Release Candidate (RC) – This release will be Windows 7 as we intend to ship it. We will continue to listen to feedback and telemetry with the focus on addressing only the most critical issues that arise. We will be very clear in communicating any changes that have a visible impact on the product. This release allows the whole ecosystem to reach a known state together and make sure that we are all ready together for the Release to Manufacturing. Once we get to RC, the whole ecosystem is in “dress rehearsal” mode for the next steps.
Release to Manufacturing (RTM) – This release is the final Windows 7 as we intend to make available to PC makers and for retail and volume license products.
General Availability (GA) – This is a business milestone and represents when you can buy Windows 7 pre-installed on PCs or as full packaged product.

The obvious question is that we know the Pre-Beta was October 28, 2008, and the Beta was January 7th, so when is the Release Candidate and RTM? The answer is forthcoming. We are currently evaluating the feedback and telemetry and working to develop a robust schedule that gets us the right level of quality in a predictable manner. Believe me, we know many people want to know more specifics. We’re on a good path and we’re making progress. We are taking a quality-based approach to completing the product and won’t be driven by imposed deadlines. We have internal metrics and milestones and our partners continue to get builds routinely so even when we reach RC, we are doing so together as partners. And it relies, rather significantly, on all of you testing the Beta and our partners who are helping us get to the finish line together.

Shipping Windows, as we hoped this shows, is really an industry-wide partnership. As we talked about in our first post, we’re promising to deliver the best release of Windows we possibly can and that’s our goal. Together, and with a little bit more patience, we’ll achieve that goal.

We continue to be humbled by the response to Windows 7 and are heads down on delivering a product that continues to meet your needs and the needs of our whole industry.

--Steven Sinofsky on behalf of the Windows 7 team

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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:45:35 Z

Lhyksus said:

Marketing. Microsoft has an awesome Marketing that has built the brand and empire. Prior to 1992ish the top Desktops were Gem and Macintosh. Macintosh was mainly due to excellent Marketing. I grade a systems usability by it's usefulness to me. I do use Linux more now. About 60% Linux and 40% Windows. Mainly for performance and security. In terms of superiority, they are equals for me.

In my previous post you'll notice I thanked the Windows 7 development team for their hard waork. I certainly noticed it. I absolutly love Windows 7 and it's only Beta. My usage might go 90 Windows 10 Linux....

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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 00:50:32 Z

So happy with that, me too, have been an MS user since I guess 1986???? Happy too Windows 7 seems to be working just fine. But in any case actually it's just a matter of personal choice.

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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 01:19:16 Z

Lhyksus, you bring up a point that there are more Windows 7 beta users than Linux users. I wonder if you are counting how many consumer electronics and professional electronics use the Linux kernel. I for one am a fan of a lot of Microsoft products but this arrogance explains why Apple is catching up. I hope they can get over this and realize that they must make compelling products in order to remain in a dominant position.

P.S. I realize this is not the place to discuss Linux so this is the last time I will bring it up in this thread.

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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 01:45:19 Z

I love Win 7 on the whole but there are a few issues that will prevent me from buying it. So far, I haven't been able to crash it and it is very fast and efficient. Everything I've installed, with the exception of AIM 6.0, has worked flawlessly.

Deal breakers for me are:

-Taskbar being forced on you without an option for XP or Vista version.
-Start Menu being forced on you without an option for the XP version.
-Windows Explorer being forced on you without being able to pin a folder shortcut directly on the Mac Doc....Taskbar.
-Vista settings UI being forced on you because of the incredibly unintuitive nature of it. What exactly was wrong with right clicking the desktop, going to properties, and immediately having access to all your display settings? Vista's UI is stupidly organized and overly complex and needs to be seriously revamped.

I really like Win 7 but if the above things aren't addressed then I'll stick to XP until Microsoft wakes up and realizes that Vista is pretty much reviled and stops trying to make my PC an overly complicated Mac.

I guess the biggest issue I have is that choice and variety seem to be bad words for Microsoft.

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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 16:40:58 Z

Lhyksus said:

...been an MS user since I guess 1986

Then you should know better than to nuke an entire forum page like that.

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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:04:11 Z

lord_helmet: Didn't work. Then again, I didn't find a wuapp.exe, rather wumgr.exe or somesuch. (So, I'll have to assume my point is still technically standing. :-p Not that it matters all that much in the grand scope of things.)

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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 19:29:47 Z

I would really like to customise the way my operating system works. Windows Vista let me down because it thought it knew what was best for me when it came to my user interface which left me frustrated and looking elsewhere for extra control.

I want to decide what goes on my menu bars in folder windows, I want to be able to add to built in apps or streamline them if needed. If I use a profesional piece of software I can customise my buttons and toolbars yet my operating system is static?

Pictures that are different sizes look messy and unorganised in folders since thumbnail view went. XP had better previews of pictures in a folder than Vista did. In Vista I could only see a small part of a picture hanging out of the folder compared to XP that showed the picture across the whole of the folder.

Im really into the speed and how stable Seven feels but unless the interface is vastly improved via customisation options and buttons then I wont be upgrading. I made that mistake with Vista and now its rarely used. Its a shame as Vista had a lot under the hood but it was too uncomfortable to drive.

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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 21:39:57 Z

WMP12

Bring back 'F3' functionality for manually searching for newly added files!
Bring back Now Playing tab to easily switch back and forth
Make it more like WMP11 ... or just go back to WMP11 all together!

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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:03:35 Z

Thanks for letting me try Windows 7. Yesterday, I took it off my test notebook and did a reinstall of Windows Vista.

My test notebook is a 5 year old HP ZD7000 with 2 GB of ram. It had run reasonably well for the last 18 months with Vista Home Premium and only 1 GB ram. My wife used it daily for relatively simple home use, including running MS Outlook 2007 for email, MS Office 2007 (mainly for Word), and web browsing. We recently got a new notebook for her, so the ZD7000 seemed like a good candidate to test Windows 7.

My initial experience with 1 GB ram was that Windows 7 was very slow, could not run Windows Media Player (it stuttered), and didn't like to have many windows open at one time. I increased the ram to 2 GB, but continued to see the same issues. My conclusion was that Windows 7 and a 5+ year old notebook are not compatible. I'm not really surprised or disappointed, but had hoped since Vista ran well, that Windows 7 would also do so.

I did a complete clean install of Windows Vista and am very presently surprised at how well it loaded this time versus the initial Vista load in early 2007. Then I had many driver problems and compatability issues. This time those issues seem to be gone. Vista runs well on this old machine.

Thanks again for letting me test Windows 7. When the RC comes out, perhaps I'll try it on a two year old machine.

Cap

Cap

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Thu, 05 Feb 2009 22:17:13 Z

C.A.P.T. said:

Cap

This suprises me somewhat. I am running it on a laptop with also 1 gig of RAM. It runs faster then Vista. I'm curious what the rest of your hardware is.

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Fri, 06 Feb 2009 01:04:02 Z

Mike Avelar said:

WMP12

Bring back 'F3' functionality for manually searching for newly added files!
Bring back Now Playing tab to easily switch back and forth
Make it more like WMP11 ... or just go back to WMP11 all together!

I tried to import my music into the library. itunes does this in about 3 minutes. wmp went at it for 4 hours before I gave up and stopped it. then I saw I had "get info from the internet" and disabled it (although I have a 10mbps connection) and tried again. after an hour it was still going. I gave up and just use itunes.

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Fri, 06 Feb 2009 01:17:32 Z

I have my mail app pinned on the task bar and today I went the whole day not realizing my mail app wasn't running, and not b/c everybody decided to take the day off.

before someone jumps in and says "I have no problem telling which app is running", let me congratulate you on your visual acuity and power of cursory inspection. I on the other hand am still not in the habit of looking for the subtle signs and need to have it hit me in the face a bit harder.

I have a suggestion: make the icon (and taskbar square it is on) of non-running apps look like they're inclined slightly back at a 45 or so deg angle. when the app is running, "stand the icon up" as usual. This should work nicely with without aero. yes it'll distort the icon somewhat and make it harder to see, but these are pinned apps and the user will be very familiar with them.

plus I think it'll look neat!

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Fri, 06 Feb 2009 05:09:56 Z

barth2k said:

I have a suggestion: make the icon (and taskbar square it is on) of non-running apps look like they're inclined slightly back at a 45 or so deg angle. when the app is running, "stand the icon up" as usual. This should work nicely with without aero. yes it'll distort the icon somewhat and make it harder to see, but these are pinned apps and the user will be very familiar with them.

plus I think it'll look neat!

Granted I have become more accustomed to the new taskbar pinned buttons and I know which ones are programs running now. I do agree it is hard to visually see what apps are running and which ones are not. I like the little hovering light, but maybe raised buttons would work. At least something visually active to make the representation. I can see a lot of end users who will be confused.

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Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:04:43 Z

My impressions:
1. My software, I mean the main product I develop, is not broken in any way
2. Seem to work faster than Vista
Then, on UI:
3. New taskbar and start menu are good.
4. Shell folder UI is bad, the best I've worked with is the one from XP.
5. New calculator and paint are good. I hate Ribbon Control in MS Office, it makes much harder to work with Office apps, but for Paint it seems to be good.

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Fri, 06 Feb 2009 13:28:52 Z

So far so good, installed fine, connected to internet immediately and automatically found drivers for printer and sound card. I like the layout and I am impressed. Good show, after feedback it can only get even better.

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Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:18:11 Z

I'd really like to have the option to remove the search box from the start menu, or, at the very least, prevent it from seizing focus every time I hit the windows key.

I much prefer the programs list for most things. the 3-4 letter key sequence I use takes up less mental space than remembering what the program/shortcut is named, or trying to figure out what part of the name is going to be unique (do I search for 'microsoft word'? just 'word'? is it buried under 'office' maybe?) . Also, with the normal start menu, I can keep related apps grouped together in one folder so launching my audio recording app is just one keystroke different from launching media player.

When I want to search, I prefer a third party app that launches with a hotkey combo (currently, [windows]-[space]).

The worst annoyance of the standard start menu comes from the way software vendors (MS itself, included) abuse it to promote their brand; not from some inherent flaw in the programs menu paradigm. If software vendors would stop filling the start menu with useless junk (how many people really need a link to manufacturers website on their start menu?) and extraneous folders (i.e. appmakers\mytinyapp\ instead of just mytinyapp\ or, best of all, a single shortcut to run the program at the top level).

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Sat, 07 Feb 2009 00:20:52 Z

I posted this over in the User Interface section initially, and was referred to add my comments to this thread. These are mostly my opinions on how to better the general UI and Productivity of 7. I realize some of my opinions may be very nit picky, and in some cases (ie: explorer crumbs) my thoughts wouldn't typically be any quicker or more productive than the methods 7 already offers. In some instances I'd just like to see some more options/customizability. I realize this is a beta, though, so I'm just throwing my thoughts in the pot for consideration. So, here we are...

Taskbar -- New Taskbar = Awesome + needs some work. Being able to reorder taskbar items, launch apps from the taskbar, and have live previews has been a long time coming. However, certain ways in which the new taskbar operates seems counter intuitive to me. For example... Why must I hold control to cycle through windows of the same type? The easiest button to use (a single left click) has been wasted on activating something a simple hover will already do... All I should have to do to cycle through windows of the same app is click on that icon -- NOT have to hold control while I click, too. Also, double clicking on a taskbar icon/launcher should restore all currently open windows of that app. I like shift-click to launch a new instance of the app. It is easy, and is a good measure to prevent the accidental launching of another instance of an app erroneously.

Taskbar -- For vertical taskbar (docked on L or R) taskbar icons could be presented vertically (longer length than width-- more like a book) and then more importantly, the taskbar could be made (at least as an option) available to slim down -- making the width so that only one column of system tray icons shows. Clock text could be made smaller, could be displayed vertically, could display military time so that no Am/Pm were necessary. I love the vertical taskbar, but it's just too fat. For those very few of us who will use it vertically, these options should be no big deal. I will accept being a second class citizen if my taskbar is skinnier. Please. Also, when the takbar is docked vertically, the orientation of items displayed when clicking the Start Orb should be mirrored... (ie: the search box should be at the upper most part of the start menu, followed closely by "All Programs," and shutdown options should also be near the top of the screen, (not at the bottom of the start menu). That's pretty nitpicky, I know, but it would be a huge enhancement to me personally when using the vertical taskbar.

Alt-Tab -- could it work (or have an option to work) like the "Aero-Peer" view utilized when hovering over windows from the taskbar? That is, as you tab through the items they show on both the Alt-Tab display (which should still always be kept on top) and then would also be previewed alone in the position on the display where they would be restored to if selected?

Jump Lists -- I know they're not finalized or complete yet.. But could they display a list of all open windows of that app above or beneath a separator for the application's specific commands? This would help for the times you only need to see the title bar of a window to select the proper window - this would be especially useful if tons of instances/windows are open and viewing the thumbnails becomes cumbersome.

Jump List -- It could also offer options for cascading and tiling windows of that app only (like regular taskbar offers for all windows

Windows Explorer -- It could be beneficial if when clicking the "crumb" at the end of a location in the windows explorer address bar the selectable folders also offered "crumbs" to their sub directories as well. It would be easy to add, and it wouldn't hurt anyone.. Please.

Windows Explorer -- Adding tabs to Windows Explorer would be phenomenal. Why don't we have these? Also, it would be nice if the navigation pane could be split horizontally and the user could specify "Favorite" locations in the bottom or top portion of the pane. Similar to the quick navigation bar found in download prompt windows.

Windows Explorer -- Configuring Windows Explorer window options are sparse and lack power user functionality/customization found in XP. We have ribbons/tabs on everything else, yet in Explorer we still have the clunky "Organize" button for our Cut/Copy/Paste commands. Seems silly. I would really appreciate a customizable toolbar in explorer where I could add commands and locations and order the items how I preferred. Also, it would be nice if "Display full path in the title bar" actually worked. Maybe my opacity is too little in the title bar?

Windows Explorer -- Where have thumbnails gone? -- when applying the view setting of always display icons, the explorer preview pane will show the app's icon (windows picture viewer icon) in the preview pane when having a photo selected = why?

Control Panel -- On some extended control panel settings the window should be dynamic so that size is adjustable and its able to be made to fit at least all of the text which is being displayed horizontally - w/o scroll bars necessary. (example of this issue: power options - advanced settings)

Background Wallpaper/Desktop Options -- Add a "custom" check box next to each wallpaper in the desktop background properties area. Then allow for each image to be customized (ie: define specifically if its - stretch, fill, tile, center, etc) possibly also for how long it is displayed, or what time it is displayed (night, morning, afternoon, etc). Wallpapers selected to be included in the cycle, but left "Uncustomized," would default to the parameters defined at the bottom of background preferences page.

Background Wallpaper/Desktop Options -- It would also be nice if there were some hidden windows function hot key for advancing to the next, or reversing to the previous, wallpaper(besides via desktop context menu).

Start Menu/Jump List -- Tried the "Jump List" on "Computer" in the start menu. (I guess Jump Lists are only meant for the taskbar). I'm happy+relieved all the classic options are there; still, going w/ the Jump List idea, it would be nice if start menu items such as "Computer" also offered some sort of Jump List context menu. In "Computer's" case it could be used to dynamically explore the directories beneath it. Basically the Jump List (context menu) could show another entry for "Computer" again, at the top above "Open." However, it could provide an expandable arrow which would then show-- "Libraries, C:, D:, Removable Flash F:," etc. It would also be great if when one of these locations was hovered over it would then offer arrows for its sub-directory tree as well)

Misc -- I've read that you can do this, but when I try I get a "not allowed" circle w/ a bar through it... So I'll say this anyway. It would be really cool to be able to add custom local folder locations to the taskbar. Basically, be able to drop a folder on the taskbar and have it be a shortcut to that folder, as well as providing an expandable/viewable jump list for items in that folder.

Misc -- The release of a "Tweak 7 UI" utility akin to "Tweak UI" for XP (built in or added-on) would be incredible. That way we could also define custom delays for live previews, for hovering over the app icon (which the more I use 7, the more I feel like I'm waiting for the previews to pop up) as well as all the classic Tweak UI items, which are a matter of preference and shouldn't be dictated to the user.

I haven't read this entire 16 page thread in full, yet. So apologies if any of my comments have been redundant. Otherwise I'd be interested to know what others think of those ideas, or if there's anything to which they would add.

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Sat, 07 Feb 2009 01:15:30 Z

A lot of times when I boot up my network card doesn't get an IP address, but if I disable it and enable it I get an IP address right away... I've trying ipconfig /release and /renew but it doesn't work. I have an nForce network card build on board. (ASUS P5N-T Deluxe rev 1.x, BIOS 1303)

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Sat, 07 Feb 2009 07:01:02 Z

gat0rjay said:

This passage in your list is an excellent example of a difficulty I often have. Slick abbreviated tricks are only good for me while they are fresh in my mind. Doesn't this also happen to you: You are about to perform a drag-n-drop, but you're not sure, will it be moved, or will it be copied? Or permitted at all?

So there's no question, I prefer to take the explicit route. Like, r-click the object, choose cut, then r-click the destination and choose paste.

I guess that makes me a pretty unpopular guy. So, what I'm about to propose will also be a pretty unpopular suggestion. You know how in IE7 or Windows Live Mail, there are menubar buttons with a [more] sub-button extension on its right side? I would like to see more of that concept everywhere. Crib-note menus are great if-and-when you want them.

In particular, you guys are going to hate me, I want to see the [more] sub-button extension on the new Win7 desktop taskbar. One for each button that has been pinned to the taskbar. That way, instead of repeatedly clicking the button, I could just popup a menu and choose the desired app. And I wouldn't have to memorize a hot-key sequence that many of you seem so fond of.

It is not a contradiction to also say, I do not favor the recent trend toward ribbons. I'll go along with that being a more modern way to do things. But I want that helpfulness to go away when I'm not using it.

On a similar topic, I personally hate automatic activation by mouseover. It just gets away from me. I know some people just love it though. I would hope in any case where mouseover is a possibility, manual clicking would also be a configurable option. In fact, I would like it to always be the default.

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Sat, 07 Feb 2009 09:40:23 Z

gat0rjay said:

...

Taskbar -- New Taskbar = Awesome + needs some work. Being able to reorder taskbar items, launch apps from the taskbar, and have live previews has been a long time coming. However, certain ways in which the new taskbar operates seems counter intuitive to me. For example... Why must I hold control to cycle through windows of the same type? The easiest button to use (a single left click) has been wasted on activating something a simple hover will already do... All I should have to do to cycle through windows of the same app is click on that icon -- NOT have to hold control while I click, too. Also, double clicking on a taskbar icon/launcher should restore all currently open windows of that app. I like shift-click to launch a new instance of the app. It is easy, and is a good measure to prevent the accidental launching of another instance of an app erroneously.

Can't agree, especially with applications like IE8, where I have a ton of tabs open - to the point that I lose my previews and get titles only. Adding all these titles, or even the four images I have open in WLPG to my WLPG jumplist would not improve my (personal) experience in any way but would clutter my (unorganized, for IE8...) jumplist. Not to mention the oddities like having the Control Panel pinned and being aopen t the main page... the words "Control Panel" would get two slots but they would have one function.

Provided they find an optional way to disable the tab-as-a-separate-entity part of the taskbar, this could work. If they do both I think it will just screw up the ability to seperating each task by window and each part of a task by tab. I've already asked for a per-application way to disable this for IE8 and any other application that might useit over the feedback tool. Would work well for photoshop, I only have three images up now but for IE8 and sometimes Explorer it would be a no go with tabs.

Windows Explorer -- Configuring Windows Explorer window options are sparse and lack power user functionality/customization found in XP. We have ribbons/tabs on everything else, yet in Explorer we still have the clunky "Organize" button for our Cut/Copy/Paste commands. Seems silly. I would really appreciate a customizable toolbar in explorer where I could add commands and locations and order the items how I preferred. Also, it would be nice if "Display full path in the title bar" actually worked. Maybe my opacity is too little in the title bar?

That's not a preview in the preview pane - it's a really large thumbnail! :-D

The taskbar doesn't allow for individual folders to be dragged onto the taskbar but pinned to Explorer. It shouldn't be giving you a deny but rather a move badge and a tooltip with the text "Pin _folder_ to Windows Explorer." And what would an individual folder's jump list have? Recent files within that folder?

egads said:

This passage in your list is an excellent example of a difficulty I often have. Slick abbreviated tricks are only good for me while they are fresh in my mind. Doesn't this also happen to you: Yu are about to perform a drag-n-drop, but will it be a move, or will it be a copy? Or permitted at all?

MMB/RMB+Drag.

I think that makes me a pretty unpopular guy. So, what I'm about to propose will also be a pretty unpopular suggestion. You know how in IE7 or Windows Live Mail, there are taskbar buttons with a More sub-button extension on its right side? I would like to see more of that concept everywhere. Crib-notes are great if-and-when you want them.

I'd prefer Microsoft just add the remaining commands from the Menu Bar and then shuffle everything up a bit so it made a bit more sense. As I'm looking over the image for the last time I realized I used the Start Menu background instead of the regular one for the menus, I just changed the color but not the separators, but whatevs. :-0 2AM, I can't care at this time of the day.
http://cid-76b00797655744f0.skydrive.live.com/self.aspx/Windows%207%20Feedback/Action%20Bar.jpg

Organize/
Change settings for current folder, selected folder, and customize global folder settings.

Actions/
Do things with files and folders, initiate file copies, syncs, and restores.

Added "Advanced sharing" to Share with and some options right next to the Preview Pane button. Maybe I'm just becoming a graybeared buy I use the Advanced sharing option and would prefer it be top-level or near it. And a Panes button! Yeah these two complicate the UI for little gain but I prefer they be nearby.

Now, more on this: I don't mind the many varying different UI styles - sometimes certain interfaces work with some types of applications (ribbion: text editors) and not others (calculators, IM clients). While the Menu Bar is small and consistent I believe it peaks in usefulness and usability quickly and that time is long ago for some applications. The only good thing I can say about the Menu Bar is that it is still probably the best way to convey hundreds-of-thousands of features. It won't be pretty or intuitive, and it will likely make some dizzy, but the features will fit...

On a similar topic, I personally hate automatic activation by mouseover. It just gets away from me. I know some people just love it though. I would hope in any case where mouseover is a possibility, manal clicking would also be a configurable option. In fact, I would like it to always be the default.

I've been wanting automatic scrollwheel activation in Windows since... forever! I hate having to click on a window (or part of a window - navigation pane!) before I can scroll. Keyboard is something else entirely.

If this post doesn't make any sense I'll fix it tomorrow. :D

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Sat, 07 Feb 2009 11:26:06 Z

to me having used win 7 since it was launch for the public....no problems.....I just wait for the day when it will be RTMed (Released to Manufacturers) and GA (General Availability) I hope it will catch on...."Economics of Scale" - The more it will sell, the more there will be demand, the more the will be demand, the more production, the more production, more jobs, more jobs, more money, more money - keeps the economy running - notwithstanding the jobs it will created on the side of hardware and software developers..Go windows 7... rip it up.

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Sat, 07 Feb 2009 20:09:03 Z

I recently installed Win7 on a spare box and think it's a solid improvement over Vista in spite of being a little top heavy with fancy bells and whistles. However, I do have one major disappointment. Vista took away a lot of choices for customization and Win7 takes away even more. I like the small classic start menu with easy access to program menus that I can rearrange, add to and take away from to my heart's content as in XP, but all that is gone. I like classic folders that are as blank as possible when they are created so I can put exactly what I want into them with absolutely nothing there I don't want.

Please give us meaningful choices!!! Not everybody likes exactly the same setup with the only available option basically being how it's decorated. The greater the choices, the more people who will be satisfied. And the more people who are satisfied, the more copies of Win7 Microsoft will sell.

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Sat, 07 Feb 2009 22:06:03 Z

My windows 7 bug list:

Whenever i resume my computer from sleep or hibernation and i am using multiple windows explorer processes or opening and closing multiple windows explorer windows, explorer will crash go through a multistep crash. first the search function in the start menu will become usuable and and i cannot click and open any programs through the all programs function. all programs that came with windows and all folder icons just become the icon that looks like a white paper sheet. if i continue to use explorer fuctions eventually the start menu will freeze or the explorer window i am open in will freeze and explorer will crash. it will not restart. i am still able to use any programs that were open on my desktop. if i go to task manager and use it to open a run command and enter explorer.exe, explorer will restart in the task manager but it will not open the user interface. the only way to fix this is to restart the computer. logging off and back on takes me back to where the search function isn't working as mentioned earlier but on top of that, when i open programs on my desktop, it doesn't show that it was opened in the taskbar. the icon for the program does not change.

Once in a while, when i open mozilla firefox (and one window or more is already open and minimized in the taskbar), it opens up but it appears behind the icons on the desktop but ahead of the desktop background. i cannot use that window until i click the icon in the taskbar tray to minimize it and then click it again to maximize the newly opened window.

Occasionally when i open itunes after my computer was resumed from standby or hibernation, i will click the icon, and the process will open in the task manager but the userinterface does not appear. killing and restarting the process does nothing. i have to restart my computer to fix the problem.

These problems occur whether i have antivirus software running or not and they occur more frequently when the software is running.

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Sat, 07 Feb 2009 22:34:11 Z

I originally posted this in misc, but then I saw a note about this particular thread being forwarded to development periodically. So here goes:

I like the new VHD Mount feature in disk management, it is important to me because I have a relatively small disk (SSD) and still like to use partitions. Through VHD files my data partitions only take as much space as I put on them and it makes them really easy to backup.

But I have a few gripes with it:
1. It is not persistent (doesn't re-mount when rebooting)
2. Should support for persistent mounting be added in the future, please also make sure the VHD gets mounted together with the physical disks (right after them). In WinXP I had to use diskpart to reassign drive letters because the VHD would get mounted so late in the boot process that XP got confused and "forgot" existing drive letter assignments. Basically, this should work so that drive letter assignments would be remembered and that the disk would be available before any services require it.
3. It would be great if support was also added for mounting ISO images.
4. Better yet - just release an API / make vhd mount service pluginable so that anyone can write their own plugin for image format of choice.
5. The mounting should be accessible from Explorer context menu
6. I miss the "compact disk" option which would perform the same operations to compact the VHD that are now performed in two (three if I save to a new file) steps from VirtualPC guest + disk wizard.
7. There should be an option that would enable me to back up such a VHD file (read-only access and integrity guarantee) - temporary undo disks maybe?
8. A VHD cannot be mounted or created if it is to be compressed???
9. If you intend to install Win7 into a VHD, it must be created FIXED size, creating it as dynamically expanding will BSOD on first reboot. Also, it can't be compressed. Kind of takes away all the good stuff SSDs offer.
10. Installing Win7 into a VHD works fine, but the page file is created on another "randomly" chosen partition. This makes rearranging the drive letters after setup much harder.

Thanks for listening,
Jure

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Sat, 07 Feb 2009 22:37:32 Z

Also posted in misc originally but re-posting with hopes that someone will hear:

Please MS, would you finally enable RAID-5 support in desktop OS (Windows 7), not just the servers?
I've never seen a decent server that would have it's RAID set up in software.

End users on the other hand could really use SW RAID-5 for cheap redundancy where performance isn't an absolute must.

Making the thing bootable as well would also be appreciated. That 200MB partition is certainly large enough to contain the necessary disk subsystem files needed to enable full dynamic disk support. I have already verified that boot from RAID-1 dynamic works quite well....

Just to be clear:
3+ disks
Convert to dynamic
Create the 200MB partition for boot loader at beginning and RAID-1 it across all 3 disks
Create x GB partition on the rest of disks and RAID-5 it

I don't mind creating the partitions by hand and then running the installer, just please make it doable.

Thanks for listening,
Jure

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Sun, 08 Feb 2009 00:39:16 Z

I'm interested in 7 for WMC more than anything else, and besides an extensive list of nags and wishes, following - to me - are a no-brainer items that should be implemented either permanently or as user-picked option:

1). Much better use of available space and way more setup options. Themes and skins...ring a bell? I want sound effects but really, the std ones are god awful.

2). Movie Library is pretty straight forward but unless all you've got is 5 movies (let's put legal arguments aside), I find groups other than By Title next to useless. Provided you've got 50+ go ahead and group by Genre or Year and now, provided that the collection spans a lot of those try and navigate to something. Not a pleasant experience. List View, too, is unreadable with group headers mixed in with items. Instead I should be able to view a list of genres, years etc, then select and go into a title view for that group. A top-level filter rather than display mode if you will. In this setting a selected group name should also appear in header section (where it says "movie library"), put the current group in there underneath. It is then always apparent and you can avoid clutter.

2.1) A very useful movie grouping would be Decade (or Span maybe).

2.1) Consider classifying movies in multiple genres. Something could easily be both Action and Comedy and right now there is no way to simply include the movie in either of them separately. <genre>Action;Comedy</genre> should do just that.

2.2) Ability to show associated items (a la pictures for videos) would be big plus. And I don't mean the Spend some more money type items appearing in Movie detail pane presently. Nice if you like that sort of thing, but only then. For instance I'm no Scorsese but I made a few movies myself and have some extras besides the feature I'd like to have quick, associated access to. Can't do it now, not automagically, not by doing the hard work setting up XML descriptors. That would add some very good value to the library IMV.

3). All libraries must read and use explicit metadata provided by user. I.e. Movies Library implements a DVDID and all is well until you tell WMC to shove off and do not automatically download the info from the net (in the other instance it actually disregards cached info altogether which is equally annoying). Then all of the sudden, despite information present, all you get is a description (synopsis), title and rest of the info be damned. For videos and pictures things are even worse. Users should be able to define the exact look and content of their libraries either with options, setup apps or for those willing by creating a bunch of XML metadata files (hardest but really most excellent way to do this). You'd almost think that to WMC developers Tags are some alien concept. And user provided metadata should always take precedence over file's own tag/data. If I explicitly say in DVDID XML that the length is 80min, I want to see 80min not 79 as reported by file damnit.

4). Much better Pictures/Videos libraries display management. For me, videos mostly mean some recorded TV (WTV is nice I suppose but don't care for it much), vacation videos, short films, my own produced shows and so on. Not a movie so a good place to put it, except in order to put some thumbs, descriptions...well that's it really WMC cares about nothing else - you need to put it in a separate folder for each item. So to navigate you end up with a bunch of folders with a single item in them for the sole purpose of list display. Some common sense, actual use approach to this would be most welcome. I think if Video/Picture libraries could show items in the exact same way (sizing, layout, interaction) as Movies library with the addition of displaying (below-search-depth) folders as drill-down items would be an ideal view for me.

5). Stop grabbing video frame for a thumb. Argh! Who thought it was remotely useful/practical? Ever? At the very least allow user to set own thumb by association a la Folder.jpg (I hear it was possible in VMC so what gives) and would quickly and easily take care of a very nagging problem.

4). Display consistency. Can't stress that enough. A Media Center is not a computer desktop display. In this setting people rely on layout persistence, things appearing in defined spaces and presented in the same way (space and layout permitting, which there is plenty of, really). The interface is split in 3 major areas (nav header, item list and info/action panes) and for the most part their relationship to one another does not change. So why is one view displaying information in one way (i.e. title, description, size, date etc) but another view displays either more or less? The item info block must also not shift position depending on the selected item position in list. I hope that this one is a bug not something they intended. It's little things, but they're really annoying.

5). List Turbo Scroll. I know some like it but please, please, please allow users to get rid of it. Really, pleeeeeeeeze. Did I say please?

6). Monitored library folders or locations should be (at least optionally) traversed in root level view. Really, isn't that the idea behind a library? I've got 3 different places where I store my Pictures for example. So naturally I monitor my PC, and 2 NAS servers I have on the LAN. So when I select pictures I see 3 folders first: PC, NAS1, NAS2. Really? I neither care nor know in some instances where my 2006 Vacation photos are so this only adds unnecessary complexity w/o achieving much else. Just give me the contents and maybe put where that content is physically in item info/tip or something. When I monitor an object I am interested in contents of that object not the object itself.

7). Video/Movie subtitles. Sorry for a rant but why is it that some hobby, underfunded open source projects can handle this nicely but a multi-billion dollar company can't be bothered. Seriously guys.

8). "Delete" button in items' detail pane. Now I don't know about anyone else, but I'd think people usually don't actually manage content in MC interface itself. At the very least, this should be something you need to get to rather than navigate through. I lost count how many times I wanted to click Watch, MC choked, stayed on Delete and I had to deny action. NBD I suppose but it is annoying for no good reason. Delete may be useful, but not something (maybe other than recorded TV shows) that should be so prominent and prone to accidental use and at the least, annoying.

9). Since the MC organizes things vertically, in multi-line views navigation should be aware of what is next/previous action. Left/Right are obviously fine the way they are but if I have a bunch of albums listed by name when I'm and the bottom and press down, I should go to the next item (top in the next column), reversed up button/cursor. The only mode of selection is a traverse and man, that is often a lot of clicking. This can be easily addressed with ill-effects.

10). Info redundancy. Many items show the same info in multiple places. As an example when bringing up info panel during a movie (and where are chapters btw?) you go to detail and you see some items (which have nothing to do with details). Say Synopsis, Action. Then upon selecting Synopsis, right side shows highlighted word Synopsis, followed by explanation of what this is. Not only it is useless piece of information, I see highlighted Synopsis on the left, highlighted but slightly smaller Synopsis on the right, so not only I'm confused which directional cursor to press or what my selection actually is, I wanted to see synopsis, not an explanation of what synopsis is. The look gets even weirder for Actions below which in itself provides little to no value.

Last but not least 11). I've already mentioned it but it is a deal-breaker for me - CONTENT MANAGEMENT. I want to see my thumbs, descriptions, tags, comments, titles, genres, chapters, captions, performers, dates, ratings, actors, directors, composers...I'm out of breath. And not only would I like to see all those things recognized I'd like them to be displayed in an intelligent, organized manner - this being 21st century and all. Weird thing is that MS does that already, it's just that different parts show/use different things (or none at all). For example RecordedTV library does a nice thing to group one show's multiple episodes in an auto container. Cool. It is done by tags and flags and that is exactly the type of "touch" I want to see for pictures, videos and movies. I would also want to be able to set the main header title of current container if I so chose as opposed to it simply displaying the name of the parent folder. I'm aware of some 3rd party developments in that area, and I might go that route if WMC permits me, but I'd really rather not, WMC already does the things I need, just does them rather badly. This is not a rant, I really do want to love and use WMC as Media Center in the living-room.

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Sun, 08 Feb 2009 06:42:21 Z

I bought a new computer 2 yrs ago which came with Vista Home Premium pre-loaded.... I have to say that after using XP Pro for years prior, I was very disappointed. After upgrading CPU, GPU, PSU, and Ram, I finally gave up on it, and did a fresh install of XP Pro on a newly added HD. Comparing the two back to back was interestng to say the least. Needless to say, I use the XP for my Digital Audio Workstation apps, and Video proccessing as well.

I've got the Win7 x64 version running and am pleased overall, but have some serious (imo) issues:

1: In my DAW (Krystal) the CPU usege meters spike badly and intermittenly
2: The average load on the CPU is 2x that of XP with the same tracks/VST's loaded in both
3: I had to copy the VST folder to the same drive/partion as Win7 OS because of terible lag time accessing the USB HD they were on within the DAW
3b: The USB HD seek/write time is 2x the same HD in XP, and the mouse scroll function hangs when looking directly in the HD
4: MS Intellipont Wireless Laser Mouse 5000 will not scoll at all, even after installing driver in compatability mode (great idea btw)

I've noticed a slightly clearer (more headroom?) sound quality within the DAW invironment (could be the new Win7 driver from S/C manu)

Nice visuals compared to XP... but unless these issues are adressed, I cant use Win7 for production work

Thanks,
bB

"Genius is being able to explain something to your Grandmother" para-phrase from A. Eintein

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Sun, 08 Feb 2009 18:25:05 Z

Picsoe - Posted 1 hour 17 minutes ago

egads said:

I LIKE THE WINDOWS UNZIP FACILITY.
I JUST DON'T WANT EXPLORER TO PRETEND A ZIP FILE IS A FOLDER

Hey egads,

Please don't take me wrong on this one !

I like the Windows Zip/Unzip facility as well.
And I like it very much that it treats Zip files as a Folder (sorry for that).
I only would that MS extends this facility to other archive-types (7-zip, arc, Rar, etc...).

Can't we (the users with different tastes) not come up with a reasonable alternarive that suits everybody please ?
I am now using a program called "arc-convert" that transforms any "not-zip-archive" that I receive into a "zip-file" - the reason is that I do prefer to use the ZipFolders that comes with Windows for the treatment of archives.

Some of us like it a lot, some others just hate it - let's find a solution.
Preferably together with MS - but I am afraid that they are not willing to talk to simple people like us.

Regards

Easy! Just put this option in Folders Options !

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Sun, 08 Feb 2009 19:34:46 Z

Very happy with Win 7 beta few niggles here & there but very good so far

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Sun, 08 Feb 2009 23:26:12 Z

Alt-Tab should get revamped to take advantage of all the features added to the Taskbar Previews, such as Aero Peek and the close button on the thumbnail previews.

It would bring so much more functionality and I honestly could not see someone using Flip3d over this. It would even be better than Exposé. Which is also why I think Flip3d should be changed to something useful like a Virtual Desktop Manager.

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Mon, 09 Feb 2009 13:19:05 Z

I just installed Windows 7 (32 bit) a few days ago on a newly built mini ITX computer. So far, all is going well. Installation went flawlessly. All device drivers (including a cheap Realtek wireless LAN card) loaded.
Windows Update took care of updating them. I've used XP at home and work and only have limited time with Vista when I tried the release candidate and when fixing friends Vista computers. Overall, I find it fairly easy to use and anyone with any half-way decent computer skills shouldn't have problems getting used to using Windows 7. If my not so computer savvy wife likes it, then it must be good.

I can see my shared drives on my XP computers and now trying to connect to an old Win98 laptop (not that I have to but it is fun to try). Windows 7 was able to connect to my shared Samsung ML-1710 laser printer. My favorite applications are all running great.
DVD playback was very good using WMP.

This computer is primarily for web surfing, some word processing, music and photos. Even though this is a Beta OS, computer performance has been fast and responsive. For only a Beta build, I'm quite impressed. The final release is going to find a permanent home on this new computer.

Hardware configuration:

Intel Atom 330 Intel 945GC Mini ITX Motherboard/CPU Combo (integrated video, sound, lan)
2 GB Kingston RAM
WD 80 GB SATA HDD
LITEON SATA DVD-ROM
Encore PCI Wireless Adapter
Adesso Wireless Keyboard/Trackball
Mini ITX Tower case
40" Samung HD LCD TV is my monitor and speaker output.

No problem using my Sansa Fuze MP3 player with Windows 7.
Samsung ML-1710 Laser Printer across home network

Software that I'm using:

Avira Anti-Vir Personal
Open Office 3
PhotoFiltre
Irfanview
MP3tag
Sansa Updater
Foxit Reader
PDF Creator
Editpad Lite
Windows Live Mail

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Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:01:01 Z

my compliments, all perfect, no need drivers... exciting for a technical

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Mon, 09 Feb 2009 15:28:45 Z

Seeing Build 7022 is being spattered all over the net in P2P sites - is there any chance of us getting a legit copy????

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Mon, 09 Feb 2009 20:18:28 Z

Windows 7 is Nice and I personally think it's better then vista because the beta uses less ram and cpu .
Hope the final relaese wont use much more RAM or cpu !

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Tue, 10 Feb 2009 07:15:30 Z

Windows 7 is just vista changed with few changes. The beta still seems to have some things else to change yet. I wonder if people that buy vista computers this year are going to be getting a free upgrade just like people who bought xp computers right before the release of Windows 7.
I will admit about the time that Windows 7 is released I may be building a newer computer for home entertainment, gaming etc. Unless there are some major speed improvements I am not sure if I will go with Vista or Windows 7. There hasn't been enough of a wow effect from the beta version to make me run and jump.
I know that Microsoft has gotten negative feedback from me on the UI for some changes they did without giving easy options for the users. They did do some things better but just not a huge wow effect.

I would love to see how to add extra buttons on the right hand side of the start menu just under the user picture. Someone in another post had a pic showing different options.

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Tue, 10 Feb 2009 08:16:23 Z

I believe people who buy Vista-based PCs will receive a free upgrade starting June.

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Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:11:52 Z

I'd really like to see the old "Hide when inactive" approach on the SysTray icons. For me it's really annoying to have to set the options of every single icon in there. And i can only make it permanently show or permanently hide. but maybe sometimes i need it to show and then i don't use it and i want it to hide. then i have to change that option over and over again. I think the old concept was more user-friendly.

Thanks.

Bogdan.

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Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:33:22 Z

Internet Explorer.

I deleted my post.
I must be wrong since I am apparently the only one having problems with it.

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Tue, 10 Feb 2009 13:55:52 Z

Um, well, I wouldn't want any of you to get the idea I'm actually DEFENDING MS or anything, (WHICH I'M MOST DEFINITELY NOT) but, Picsoe, you're making too big of a fuss about IE. I strongly suspect a full, finished IE8 will be available with retail Win7 (though if it's actually working as well as MS would have us beleive remains to be seen, of course). As the RC is really just an advanced beta-stage, and MS representatives have stated that they don't see any good coming out of mixing betas (a pretty sound reasoning, and entirely their call to make), just live with it and use Firefox instead.
MS representatives have also said why they don't tell us about what suggestions will make it into the final product. In fact, many computer-game producers have touched on that on several occasions - Austin Meyer of X-Plane, Obsidian, Bioware... In this case, there are up to a bit over two million people to respond to - I doubt they'd have time to send replies and keep track of who suggested what until the next Windows-release is finished AND work the code at the same time. Another funny phenomenon is that when a feature or fix is revealed, people sometimes make their own idea of how it'll turn out, which might not have any basis in the reality they are later served, and end up complaining about what they get. (Have Obsidian taken heat in that respect or what...)
That last part has led to a decision in some camps to only announce a feature two hours AFTER it's done, and stable.

Still, whether you buy this OS, just wait for word-of-mouth to spread and see what it's like then. That's really the whole point of having reviewers - just find one you trust and wait for their evaluation. You won't be alone.

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Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:49:40 Z

Everyone dislikes the MSIE betas... To be honest with you, I haven't noticed much of a difference between MSIE7 and MSIE8, there are a few minor differences but nothing to write home about. I laughed because I remember reading posts about "I'll never use MSIE7!" ... I think its funny.

So far, I'm really starting to enjoy Windows 7, and I'm looking forward to being able to download the latest builds from Microsoft when they're available. I hope soon...

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Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:56:43 Z

Hi Arve Eriksson

Thanks for your answer, and you are of course so right :

I will never argue anymore about the IE8 that came with Windows 7 beta 7000.

I understand that it is not easy (read impossible) to update an OS with only a new IE version.

That is why I gave way to FireFox
- Make a note of the fact however that I have never used another browser before (since 1994).
- And now, I actually love FireFox in such a way that I will never come back to IE (whatever version MS is willing to make available).
- This proves that non-communication may save time, but it may (most probably) also damage customer binding.

And my final word about IE is :
From now onwards, I will support everybody and every action striving at the separation of IE from Windows.
It is absolutely wrong to let an OS (beta or not) suffer from the bad performance of what should be an add-on (IE) if that add-on becomes too much entangled into the OS.

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Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:46:42 Z

Love the new Windows 7, makes me a Windows user for the next 5 years. I little thing: please make it easier to open a secound instance of a program, not everybody wants always to use a right-click or the shift-key.

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Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:50:59 Z

mtwi said:

MMB

Edit:
Or use the gesture. I love me some mouse gestures!

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Wed, 11 Feb 2009 08:39:52 Z

2 more "problems" founded.

One is present also in XP with IE7 and Vista - If I have 2-3 tabs opened in IE and I try to close one BEFORE the page loads anything at the adress selected, it will close but instantly it starts to open new tabs pointing to that page and does not stops until I kill IE from Task Manager. It's happened very rarely, need to find the "exact moment" to close the tab, but I was able to reproduce it on all those sistems.

Second - also present in Vista - in Start Menu if I pin a program I frequently use to the Start Menu, I've noticed that after some time it appears again in the most used programs list. This is somehow Redundant as is present TWICE in the Start Menu - once pinned and once as most used. This does not happened in XP. And due to small space in Start Menu in Vista and W7, this is somehow annoying as that space could be used to show an other used program.

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Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:46:35 Z

Small bug:

Windows Defender/Action Center notification: Not sure if anyone else has seen this, but every so often, I'd say 1 out of 3 boot ups, the Action Center tells me that Windows Defender is not turned on, but when I click on the balloon I don't go to the AC, and when I go and check the settings, WD is infact turned on. Could it be that when AC checks on the boot that WD just hasn't started yet?

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Wed, 11 Feb 2009 23:17:59 Z

Mike Avelar said:

So far, I'm really starting to enjoy Windows 7, and I'm looking forward to being able to download the latest builds from Microsoft when they're available. I hope soon...

One gigantic difference which is the kicker to push me to Firefox from now on is the fact that they removed the ability to tell IE to NOT search from the address bar. I have always been a fan of IE but removing options for unwanted functionality is unacceptible.

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Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:46:51 Z

generally, Windows 7 is definitely better than Vista.

On my comment/feedback, there are dialog boxes or system alert that doesn't appear or I can't see until I minimize a window or an application. Adding an alert on the system tray or the taskbar with regards to the dialog boxes or alert will really be helpful.

Another comment is the "My" prefixes. Why put it back again? It makes the Pictures, Music, and other folders confusing.

Suggestion, why not put an ISO reader or ISO burner in Win7? It has become a media for the public. Games, software and even office files and documents are placed in an ISO image already.

That's it for now.

Hope to see more improvements in this promising new OS.

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Thu, 12 Feb 2009 03:27:12 Z

damitman said:

i have been useing windows 7 two or so weeks.it is just as defective as vista was when it first come out..its ____..it hangs up..sometimes it does not want to start up..and some times it does not want to shut down..it just hangs..

i loose my graphics,i loose my sound,some times both at the same time..i have to do restarts to try and get it back..i have even lost my mouse..i never know what it is going to do..each time i try and start it up..or try and shut it down..

microsoft..can not build anything that works..bill gates has run off and is doing insane things.like releasing bees,in to crowds..the only thing they have thats any good.is xp professional..they ahould stick with that..

they need to dump windows 7 and give every one that bought a full version of windows vista..a free copy of windows xp pro...

for a beta OS, windows 7 far exceeds expectations already.

The hang ups and freezing can be caused by various hardware already. Maybe try to upgrade your machine? Not any PC that runs Windows XP can run Windows 7. XP is more than 6 years old already. The machines back then are not as fast and better as today's.

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Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:02:35 Z

Lycius said:

I don't notice it because when I make a mistake in the URL, instead of getting something from Microsoft or Windows Live search, my ISP Rogers shoots me over to the Yahoo search engine with all sorts of Rogers and Yahoo propaganda... Rogers offers the best High Speed in Ottawa. So, in order for me not to get annoyed, I'm very careful not to make mistakes and to use the actual search box. But I can see how that would be annoying and empithyze with you Lycius.

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Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:05:28 Z

Chino Yray said:

Suggestion, why not put an ISO reader or ISO burner in Win7? It has become a media for the public. Games, software and even office files and documents are placed in an ISO image already.

The build I have burns ISO files to DVD or CD... except I don't get the option to change the burn speed... I prefer to burn at a slower rate than the disc is rated for... I have build 7000, did they remove that feature or something? I do however wish you could mount the ISO files so you wouldn't have to use a DVDR/CDR for nothing. That would nice.

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Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:14:56 Z

damitman said:

I've never had any problems with installing, booting, or operating the system. It has never completely hung on me. I have had some video issue, but I believe this is because of nVidia's driver and not the OS.

Here is my setup:
Windows 7 (64bit)
ASUS P5N-T Deluxe
Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz @ 3.11Ghz (4x core)
ASUS EN8600GT Silent
KVR800D2N5/2G x4 (8GB running in Dual Ch @ 880Mhz)
3x 320GB WD on nVidia RAID-0
Antec 850w TruPower Quottro PSU

Vista had many improvements over Windows XP Pro 32bit/64bit. The OS was much more stable and much more robust than previous Windows OS. Windows 7 is a BETA. To be honest with you, I have ran lots of BETA OS in the past and I was expecting to rebuild my system ever couple of days. I've rebuilt it once since installing Windows 7, and for no other reason except for changing my RAID setup, so I had no choice. But otherwise, it has been fast and stable, more so since I've tweaked my hardware voltage ... sadly, my system is more stable overclocked...

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Thu, 12 Feb 2009 13:33:58 Z

I agree with Mike Avelar here:
Windows x64
Athlon x2 64
Sata2 hard disk 4 partitions

As it is I could use it as primary OS. Didn't have any of the install problems other people seem to have. No real video issues (exception made for (once in a while) youtube in full screen (screen goes black, I say the F*** word, screen comes up again)).
If all debugging could be done just by swearing; I'd be happy.

I haven't lost a single documant, project or image.
No problem with sound.

The library and homegroup buttons that cannot be deleted permanently piss me off a bit (over the last 25 years I've learned to order my stuff the way I want it to, and no MS classification system is going to change that), but that's about all.

Regards

Rem

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Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:39:44 Z

I'm very disappointed that simple things like sorting files into dates cant be done once a file is over 2 years old. I have a lot of files over 2 years and all they can be set to is "A long time ago"

Explorer could have so much more detail!!

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Thu, 12 Feb 2009 20:46:29 Z

Mike Avelar said:

So far, I'm really starting to enjoy Windows 7, and I'm looking forward to being able to download the latest builds from Microsoft when they're available. I hope soon...

You can't see a difference? There are huge differences. IMO for the better. My only problem with it is it crashes way too often and there is not the 3rd party support for it like there is for Firefox.

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Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:06:17 Z

Please MS fix this dang firewall to be more user friendly. Whats so hard about a third choice for outgoing "ask me". This is the one thing I look for in a firewall, the ability to completely control what can and cannot connect to the net. Every game and application in the world wants access to the internet from my PC and I'm sorry they cannot have it. The OS for updates, the browsers, the firewall the anti-virus and my spyware apps, thats it and thats all thats necessary for the smooth operation of a normal PC. OK maybe a downloading app or two.

In this day and age there is no excuse for spending all your money on eyecandy like Aero Glass and protecting it with a piece of junk firewall that lets everybody and their brother connect.

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Thu, 12 Feb 2009 21:07:07 Z

I am very satisfied with the beta 1. That being said, I do have some comments.

I realize I'm in the minority but I'd like to see DreamScene continued in Win7 Ultimate.

Why has the "Software Explorers" feature been eliminated in Windows Defender? This was an extremely easy way to disable programs from starting during the boot of the operating system. Many programs don't give you the option to disable startup, even in the "Custom" installation mode. It doesn't make sense to me.

I think Control Panel could be improved. I prefer icons.

IE is the same old, same old. Add-ons or no add-ons, it continues to freeze and/or stop responding, even from a fresh install. I don't understand it.

It is the responsibility and duty of everyone to help the underprivileged and unfortunate among us.

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Fri, 13 Feb 2009 13:13:51 Z

One thing I think should be fixed is the default e-mail icon.

At present I have to scroll down through All Programs to Windows Live to get at it - pinned to the top would be a lot easier (I did drag and drop a shortcut to the desktop for access, but I shouldn't have HAD to do that)

The old XP system with browser and e-mail in their own box made life so much easier ;)

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Fri, 13 Feb 2009 14:53:27 Z

This isn't feedback on Windows 7 so much as feedback on the Send Feedback system in Windows 7. I've been sending on average a couple of feedbacks a day, things i like things i don't like , things i feel could be improved, some bug reports, and have just checked back on the microsoft connect website. Apparently there i am supposed to be able to view the feedback i have sent as long as I have activated my copy of Windows 7 Beta. It's activated, but apparently according to that Website i have sent no feedback. This leads me to wonder if the Send Feedback is actually working.

Ok now actual feedback.

Overall I'm impressed with the stability and speed of Windows 7, its putting XP Pro SP3 to shame at least on my system. Im now currently using Windows 7 as my main Operating System, in order to better see how it responds, and so far apart from incompatibilities with various Game Copy-Protection systems, everything seems to be running fairly smoothly.I'm working my way through my game collection , which is huge, (dating from 1992 approx.) and while im still testing games from the last few years most are running quite happily, or faster than under XP. Those that dont it appears every time to be copy protection causing issues. This could prove to be a big issue for gamers if their collection of games refuses to work, I've contacted a few of the copy-protection software companies, and everytime i have had the response 'We dont support Beta OS'.

I have however had major problems getting a good firewall to run alongside anti-virus. All the officially supported security Partners, only have Anti-virus for the Beta. On XP i use Nod 32 and Comodo Firewall Pro because that firewall lets me know precisely what any program is trying to do, even if its trying to link itself to another package that has firewall access. un fortunately Comodo Doesnt work with 64 bit win 7 and the combined package wont install. so im currently using a trial of KIS2009, as this appears to give me the level of control i'm looking for.

I never used Vista, refuse to allow it near my PC, Yes i could be classed as a Vista Hater, but seeing all the initial PC's being released with Vista pre-loaded on them and running slower than the older pc's that were available for purchase only a week earlier with XP installed, started to put me off even though the newer PC's were higher spec. Ive heard more favourable reports of SP1, but XP has been running happily for me for games and other things. However i decided to try the Windows 7 Beta and am currently loving it. Depending on whether i can afford a copy of Windows7 when its released it will become my main OS, with XP kept for those games that won't run on 7.

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Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:54:13 Z

Hi,

I have a laptop (Dell Vostro 1310) with 3 partitions. One for XP, one for Windows 7 and one for Linux EarOS. I've been using 7 for two weeks as my main system. I decided today to go back to XP for the day, to keep it up to date and to really see the difference. OMG! XP is still (I think) faster than 7 (I have 3 gig of ram) but seems so plain. Windows 7, when you learn how the new interface works, is really user friendly and my works gets done quicker. I don't think I will be able to go back to XP, even if it's rock solid. I will live with the few bugs that 7 has (more IE 8 than the OS). August 1st will be a sad day for me... until 7 is release officially.

François

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Fri, 13 Feb 2009 20:11:52 Z

Ive had the beta since Nov of 08 and its been easier to change from Linux to this but still if they dont fix speed issue and fully optimize x64 based CPU's im going back to Ubuntu

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Fri, 13 Feb 2009 20:20:55 Z

Windows 7 is ok.
I was sitting here typing a comment and the text started going out of the box and then I lost it all. Guess IE8 needs more help than W7.
Started using Vista two years ago but my scanner was not compatible any of the three machines and scanner upgrade software was more expensive than buying a new scanner.
The scanner is used on an XP computer but formatted it to W7 and now the scanner works (that did not work on Vista).
I'm surprised that the W7 RAM requirement is bigger not smaller.
The fewer administrative acknowledgements to install software are nice (I turned them off in Vista).
Windows 95 was a great rescue from installing drivers IRQ/DMA/ADDRs from W3.11 as well as Win98, but every operating system since IMO just does not support hardware like it should.
I'm amazed how many times it locks up, CTRL-ALT-DEL does not even help; just a frozen mouse and frozen keyboard.
As a computer tech I hope that all the new computers we buy come with W7 but certainly cringe at the thought of upgrading any existing machine.

I do not like: not having access to the administrator profile in Vista and W7. In Vista I just went into save mode and enabled it and then set a password, have not tried it yet in W7.
Here is the reason.: I do not want an end user gaining access to it, esp in the open computer lab. So the change in Vista and W7 only makes my job more difficult since I have to hack into it before "they" do.
I like the way Vista has moved the profiles to "users"(W7 too) and I like the additional download folder provided but I do not like "library" in W7.

T.R.

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Fri, 13 Feb 2009 21:08:35 Z

You can pin any program to the top of the Start menu by simply dragging it there. Go to the Windows Live mail item in All Programs of your start menu. Drag it over the Microsoft Orb so that your Start Menu shows again (ie not the All Programs section). When the Start Menu comes up, simply drag it to the top and place it there. Presto! You have it pinned there permanently.

I think Microsoft have now given us a choice of what we want pinned to the top, if anything. I think this is a nice change from XP which forced you to have it at the top.

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Fri, 13 Feb 2009 22:36:08 Z

Win7 so far is great. I didnt try Vista... stayed away from it. W7 install was easy and fast. I was a little confused about the activation but managed to get it done after reading about it. All my drivers loaded automatically, wireless network and sharing was a breeze. printing was also very easy, once you networked to the correct printer.
Loading games (old games) and new games was successful and they work faster.
IE8 is OK, I am getting familiar with it.
Overall, Microsoft might have something here..... too bad Aug is coming and w7 will stop.... maybe we beta testers might get a reduced price of the real Win7 when released......haha

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Sat, 14 Feb 2009 02:27:31 Z

imo... Very Nice! ^_^

Movable Tabs on the Task bar? FINALLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ^_^

A new sound scheme for Windows 7b should be added. Love the loading image, looks like heaven from below... //|w7|\\
The "Repair Drive" function when inserting a drive finally works right away!
UAC is better, less annoying.
GUI can definitely be changed into...? don't know maybe different themes or profiles? I for one miss the XP.Themes. Colored glass is okay i guess... perhaps a new era of GUI?

PLEASE PLEASE return the "FIX" option when viewing a .jpg Image with "Image Gallery Viewer"!
PLEASE PLEASE return the "WINDOWSKEY" + "E" to My Computer NOT TO THE LIBRARIES! (I don't know anyone who uses the libraries in all versions of windows...)

Keep up the great work Microsoft team!

Windows FOREVER!!!! *_<

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Sat, 14 Feb 2009 07:16:53 Z

Haven't had spare time to visit this site....been very busy. Anyway I have all my programs in XP running smoothly with windows 7 beta. Nothing major hiccups since the day I installed it upon release. I am just eagerly anticipating what the final product wouldbe line. At beta stage Windows 7 is oh so stable. I love it. so between now until it's general availability I will have to save money so I can by the appropriate Hardware for it.....

Even my son is invading my desktop computer......He has xp on his laptop and wanted me to install windows 7 beta....I declined as I am not very comfortable with OEM setup. I know it is under some kind of a system lock?

Now running on my my desktop system:

Avast Anti-virus
Office 2007
Office Live
Windows Live
Tune-up Utilities 2009
Stardock Fence
CCleaner
Utorrent
Adobe Photoshop 7
Fastone Image Viewer
Gizmo Virtual Drive
Download Video Accelerator
Auslogics Defraggler

and all the classic games - > Starcraft, Red Alert, Praetorians, NFSHP2, NFS Underground, COD, Soldier of Fortune, Rise of Nations,Battle Realms, Hitman, Splinter Cell, Pharaoh, Zeus, Warcraft III, gamehouse and popcap arcade games.

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Sat, 14 Feb 2009 08:48:16 Z

JorgieM said:

Love the loading image, looks like heaven from below...

I actually take offense to the suggestion that Microsoft is the shining light from the Heavens.

(I am also nauseated by the tasteless CGA handiwork you defaced that page with).

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Sat, 14 Feb 2009 15:11:09 Z

using Vista, I have gadgets down the RH side. If I maximise a window, the gadgets are still visible (set to always on top) and sit to the right of the maximised window.

Under Windows 7, there is no "sidebar" as such - each gadget is a separate entity. Which is OK until I come to maximise a window. Then the gadget is either underneath or on top of my maximised window - not outside it.

So, is there any way to get the Vista behaviour back? I want to see my gadgets but I don't want them to be on top of my other work. A separate "Sidebar" is what I am after.

thanks

Alan

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Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:12:32 Z

@Alan, not sure about sidebar (never having used Vista) but if you move your cursor over the show desktop icon at the right hand side of the taskbar, that will turn all windows transparent letting you see your desktop and gadgets. Clicking it will minimize all windows and clicking it again will bring them back. Hope this helps as a temporary solution for you.

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Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:16:09 Z

Thanks - but I don't want to have to move anything - I just want to be able to glance over and see theinformation displayed in the sidebar. It could be time, date, stock market values - anything I have displayed there. If I have to move mice over things, then I am slowing down my productivity - surely this is not what MS want?

Alan

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Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:42:32 Z

Alan Sharkey said:

I agree with you Alan.

The sidebar in Vista is great, especially with 16/9 wide screens :
- It allows you to have a lot of horizontal space for your current application, and to keep your gadgets in the sidebaar at hand.
- It was one of the reasons why MS made the Sidebar in Vista :
Most probably a way to promote the wide-screens monitors together with their fellow monitor manufacturers :-))

And now they are taking it out again without any reason, without any consultation of the users !

I definitly want it back into Windows 7 too !!!!

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Sat, 14 Feb 2009 16:49:54 Z

Picsoe said:

The sidebar in Vista is great, especially with 16/9 wide screens

I agree 100%

Except I think the term wide-screen is a marketing euphemism for short-screen.

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Sat, 14 Feb 2009 17:56:45 Z

I had used vista befor but switched back to xp because it was just to slow on my pc...
So when I decided to test windows 7 I feared the worst but... It runs (alsmost) perfectly!!
So that was a nice suprise!!

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Sat, 14 Feb 2009 18:21:10 Z

Hi, this my first message.
When using folder navigation, using new address bar can be painful. When i want to change folder, for example: going to another folder in the same parent folder, i click on folder name on the address bar. Because i want to change it. So i click it but it shows me child folders list. Then i remember that i have to click parent folder on address bar. It is ridiculous. It is not sensible. I think when i click on a folder level on address bar, i should see all folders at the same level.
Also new address is improvable. We should able to select multiple folders with marking selected folders. Also right clicking on address bar is unoccupied. Copying, cutting, deleting can be finish up just from there.

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Sat, 14 Feb 2009 19:48:09 Z

egads said:

JorgieM said:

Love the loading image, looks like heaven from below...

I actually take offense to the suggestion that Microsoft is the shining light from the Heavens.

(I am also nauseated by the tasteless CGA handiwork you defaced that page with).

But it is.

Zelda fan

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Sat, 14 Feb 2009 20:12:11 Z

elfesylvain said:

But it is.

So funny! Perfect answer!

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Sat, 14 Feb 2009 23:55:50 Z

egads said:
I actually take offense to the suggestion that Microsoft is the shining light from the Heavens.

lol uhm... Write a letter to the mayor and complain?

...if it's a cult or belief issue. then i apologize cause I'm atheist and think so happen to think Microsoft is simply the best. T_T

Then again, i take my apology back...
Heaven is a universal meaning. If it offended you then, deal with it. Welcome to the internet. Here the world doesn't revolve around issues with your feelings...

the topic is comments on windows 7 beta not "egads" "righteous stands"

Good day ^_^

(>'.')>

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Sat, 14 Feb 2009 23:59:18 Z

sinyol said:

YES! I totally agree. XP had a sweet Previous Directory button! Vista and W.7 failed to provide that feature; some of us like to organize things!!!
It's annoying to click on the address bar... =\

This is me 2nd message, I got shutdown on my first message by someone who hates, the idea that Windows is like heaven -_-'

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Sun, 15 Feb 2009 02:07:56 Z

Feature request.

On Vista you just drag a folder to the edge you want a toolbar on. I can't find a way on Windows Seven to create a new toolbar other than on the taskbar. I want my toolbars separate from the taskbar. Please add this Vista feature to Windows Seven. \_{':'}_/ !';'!__)

Eagle

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Sun, 15 Feb 2009 06:00:50 Z

I totally agree with this remark. Windows 7 is what Vista should have been. Sure it is not a huge overhault and can't really be called a completely new OS, but it is a huge improvement and a different approach. Windows 7, I believe will finally Kill XP. it is as stable as XP and I believe it is better from XP. There is one exception and that is the onyl thing I see in the Beta 1 RC, Windows wireless. I cannot view Radio signals being transmitted by wireless routers of any manufacture. other then this which I bet will be fixed in the comming updates before Beta 2 RC is put out, Windows 7 is Awesome, and if there are any download spots available for the beta I urge that the others nab there copy as well.

Very Clean installs with Vista said to be compliant OEM's and Customs, No real user intervention needed to get most the hardware installed upon installation, and out right as perfect as a Beta 1 RC release can be.

I don't think that MS has ever put out a cleaner beta ever, and I look forward to Microsoft finally releasing something that could possibly match and keep up with MAC OS, bringing a similar experience to PC. I do hate the link system in the taskbar and how it has replaced the Quick Launch and hope to see that the quick Launch is brought back in Beta 2 RC!!!

EZ_CUSTOMS

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Sun, 15 Feb 2009 13:06:19 Z

Hi MarkGil

I'm I the only one to notice that the win 7 search is MUCH slower than the Vista search? I'm running the two os on two separate hard drives. In Vista, I type in a search criteria and the findings are at the top of the search pane before I've finished typing. I've also just installed Vista HP on a new computer this week and have the same excellent experience of the search function. I've got indexing work.
In Win 7 build 7000, I've also enabled indexing but the system takes several seconds to find quite simple file searches. Perhaps I've missed a setting somewhere!

Apart from this I like Win 7. I've had it installed for a couple of weeks now and it's working well. All hardware and software running smoothly.

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Sun, 15 Feb 2009 13:51:01 Z

Personally I'd much prefer the old XP search (with advanced options). It was a lot simpler to use - you just entered part of the file name and away it went.

Search 4 for XP (which seems to be a backport for the Vista Search) is far too cumbersome and makes you jump through hoops to find anything.

KISS (which btw originated from Ham Radio and was adopted on computers) should apply to a search procedure. Why should I have to do everything twice in order to search my entire computer (3 IDE hard drives plus a SATA RAID)?

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Sun, 15 Feb 2009 15:06:50 Z

Ok this is copied from another thread where i had it posted as a general discussion and was advised to post it here as well.

I've just transferred a load of save games from XP to Windows 7 , and come across an issue which i have sent feedback to Microsoft on, i'll post the feedback below in a second, but basically there now appear to be more locations where games store their saves than there were in XP. OK feedback below, has anyone else come across this or found additional locations?

I use Windows for a lot of gaming, not the built in supplied games , but Strategy, RPG, FPS and similar. In XP Games either saved into a save folder inside the games install directory, or saved into My Documents/My Games. So far in Windows 7 i have found 3 locations games save to.
1. Into the install folder in a save game folder
2. Into My Documents, but a variety of locations here i have 4 seperate folders for games saves plus the My Games folder.
3. A seperate folder called Saved Games, which is inside the users/username/ directory.

This makes backing up and saving save games very hard to be sure you have them all.

I feel that either My Documents / My Games or the Saved Game Folder should be used for every entry, otherwise gamers are going to end up with folders sitting all over the place not knowing where things actually install. This is ontop of the fact that i always install games to a Hard Drive that is kept specifically for games and nothing else is installed there.

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Sun, 15 Feb 2009 16:33:26 Z

it looks to me like you're underwater trying to get to the surface.

seriously, leave the quasi-religious overtones for the Mac camp.

oh, and stop taking things away from the users, like the up button, or a real search dialog, to toss out a couple off the top of my head. It seems MS has bought into the thinking: simpler = easier. This is true to some extent, but easily taken too far. Like Steve Jobs deciding having two button mouse is too confusing and ruins the aesthetics of the single button mouse, so millions of poor Mac users have had to make do with Command+click. (Mr T)I pity the fools(/Mr T).

Computers are hard to use not primarily b/c there are too many things on the screen, but b/c they are fundamentally complex. This is not just the case w/ computers, but everything. Think of your TV. Used to be, you buy one, take it home, slap on the rabbit ears and move it around til you get a picture. Now you have to think about HD vs SD, what kind of tech -- plasma, LCD, DLP, etc. -- and their pros and cons. Then you have to think about your source -- cable, satellite, OTA, DVD, Bluray. And to get the best out of your TV, you need to do a little calibration. Dumb it down all you want, but all the pretty menus ain't going to make things any easier for the average consumer.

Computers are a complicated mess. People just don't understand concepts, don't know what they need to do, and have only a vague idea of what they're trying to accomplish. It doesn't get any easier just b/c you're an "expert". It just means you're trying to do more with your computer and it'll find more ways to frustrate you and you'll find more ways to turn your PC into a brick. All the amount of dumbing down the UI will not fix this. It will just annoy the advanced users who have useful things taken away from them and no option of bringing them back.

The only way it'll get better is when computers become superintelligent and self aware and figure out what you want to do like an executive secretary and do it for you. Of course, we'll have to deal with the slight inconvenience of the machines taking over the world and enslaving us all.

Meanwhile, we can look forward to this:

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/apple_introduces_revolutionary?utm_source=embedded_video

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Sun, 15 Feb 2009 16:48:55 Z

barth2k said:

it looks to me like you're underwater trying to get to the surface.

Hmm. Thanks. I'm much more comfortable with that interpretation. Honestly, I was really very bugged by the poweron splash screen image.

Yes, I'd sooner gasp in suffocation than brownose to egomaniacs, even if the difference is only in my perception.

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Sun, 15 Feb 2009 17:30:27 Z

Sanginius said:

This makes backing up and saving save games very hard to be sure you have them all.

I feel that either My Documents / My Games or the Saved Game Folder should be used for every entry, otherwise gamers are going to end up with folders sitting all over the place not knowing where things actually install. This is ontop of the fact that i always install games to a Hard Drive that is kept specifically for games and nothing else is installed there.

the whole document scheme is such a mess. I see

program files
programdata (apparently, they figured out the space in 'program files' wasn't necessary, but why did it have to be 2 words? 'programs' isn't clear enough?)
users\name\appdata
users\name\my xxxx
users\name\saved games (no my, b/c it was idiotic to begin with)

then a bunch of juncture points for backward compatibility.

then there's the atrociousness of programs saving settings in the registry, which makes migration a huge pain.

MS should've sat down and thought hard about this from the get go, back in win95. there should be 4 folders

apps
appsettings (program settings for all users, stay out of the registry)

users\(name)\documents
users\(name)\appsettings (program settings for specific user, stay out of registry)

on install, every program should have an adv. option that asks the user where he wants to put the program docs. default is users\(name)\documents\(app name), e.g.

users\barth\documents\office

but the user can change it to whatever makes more sense for him.

when migating, you just need to install your apps then copy over

appsettings
users

excluding *.tmp files.

btw, this should apply to windows itself. all your windows settings should be in

users\(name)\documents\microsoft\windows (your wallpapers, theme, etc)
users\(name)\appsettings\microsoft\windows

that wasn't so hard was it? instead, we have an ad hoc approach with new categories and folders popping up with every new version of windows.

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Sun, 15 Feb 2009 19:14:11 Z

Unfortunately Sanginius where games store their saved files isn't down to the OS - it's the games programmers who decide where they go

In an ideal world, there would be a games\saved\thisgame folder - unfortunately every software house has their OWN idea where that should be. Look at EA - they make an 'EA Games' folder in My Documents. Others put it in the actual games folder - there is no standardisation

However it is completely unfair to blame the OS for that - it would happen in any system

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Sun, 15 Feb 2009 21:35:07 Z

This is my second install of Windows 7:

Installed Windows 7 on my older main computer on a separate partition. Running smooth so far.

------------------
System Information
------------------
   Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate 32-bit (6.1, Build 7000) (7000.winmain_win7beta.081212-1400)
           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: INTEL_
       System Model: D915GAG_
               BIOS: BIOS Date: 02/22/06 23:50:09 Ver: 08.00.10
          Processor: Intel(R) Celeron(R) CPU 2.66GHz, ~2.7GHz
             Memory: 1502MB RAM

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
        Card name: Intel(R) 82915G/GV/910GL Express Chipset Family
     Manufacturer: Intel Corporation
        Chip type: Intel(R) 82915G/GV/910GL Express Chipset
         DAC type: Internal
       Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2582&SUBSYS_41478086&REV_04
   Display Memory: 186.0 MB
Dedicated Memory: n/a
    Shared Memory: n/a
     Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
          Monitor: Generic PnP Monitor

---------------

Integrated video, sound, LAN.

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Sun, 15 Feb 2009 22:14:10 Z

I run 8 pc's at home, dozens more at the companies I work with, and mostly they run XP but a few run Vista.   So, from some breadth of experience, I say I rather dislike Vista, mainly due to the intrusiveness and the deliberately hidden nature of many configuration options.   And yet, so far, I really like Windows 7.    Across the board you guys seem to have tweaked and improved what needed doing.

One additional tweak I know is supported by the more computer literate of my friends and colleagues would be a one-click optional view of Windows Explorer which simply reflects the architecture of the PC, in other words the left pane shows Hard Drive/s and Top Level Folders, and on expanding those folders, then sub-folders and all files are visible with extensions shown and basic file details displayed in a classic list format (name, size, type date).   No "Libraries" folder, no "Favorites", no other clutter.

Now I know much of this can already be achieved with a few clicks and preference settings, but what would be far preferable would be an optional toolbar icon (and the icon could be optional or hidden by default to avoid confusing the laymen) which with one click would simply swap the current "bells and whistles" Explorer view over to a "technical" or "classic" view (or call it what you will).   And in reverse, one click then reverts back to the full default view (because yes, sometimes it is easier to find a document or file that way).

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Sun, 15 Feb 2009 22:27:29 Z

I've been running W7 for a month or so. I'm dual booting Vista and W7 on my laptop

Windows Vista Ultimate (build 7000)
Micro-Star International MSI Notebook PR600 Ver 1.000
Board: MSI MS-1637 Ver 1.000
T7100 1.80 gigahertz Intel Core2 Duo
3064 Megabytes Installed Memory
Mobile Intel(R) 965 Express Chipset Family [Display adapter] (2x)
Generic Non-PnP Monitor

What I Like:
It's faster, smoother and seems to be much less bloated than Vista. It certainly takes up less room on the HD and performs better.
Boots up faster.
Shuts down faster.
Connects to my home wireless network every time. Vista connected to the network about half the time.
About 20-30% longer battery life in the "Balanced" setting.
Fairly stable when running multiple apps. Vista sometimes hung up for no reason at all.
All my Vista software save ZoneAlarm works fine.
Thanks for making UAC more user friendly. I disabled it in Vista.
I like it and would like to own a copy of it when I comes out, if it's affordable.

What I'd like to see changed.
Make the Mobility Center look exactly like Vista's Mobility Center. The second menu for high performance isn't needed.

Option for "Classic Start Menu" similar to XP and Vista .
I dislike the "Super" taskbar. I'd like to have an option for the Vista taskbar.     I'm old school and I like the old school taskbar.

The Intel driver for the 965 chipset, WDDM prelease 1.1 driver is unacceptable.    Trying to use it with the W7 interface is a convoluted mess.
I loaded the Vista driver, Vista 15121, and the interface is simple and works well when configuring for dual monitors and other video applications.

The desktop needs some changes. I'd like to hide the traditional icons and keep the gadgets on the right side. I was forced to just delete the icons. I can access the icons via desktop taskbar short cut.    This isn't my preferred way of doing things.

Last but not least.

When Windows 7 is released to the public, make it affordable.    Rumor control is kicking around $200-250 for a retail version of Windows 7 Home Premium. That pricing structure is madness.
Allow current Vista users to buy a comparable copy of Windows 7, disk and all, for under $100. If Windows 7 is priced much high than that figure, working stiffs like myself won't be able to afford it.

♦

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Mon, 16 Feb 2009 04:05:22 Z

kenponz said:

Windows Firewall with Advanced Security has everything that you are asking. Click the Start Orb, type “firewall” in the Start Menu search dialog box. At the top of the results list, you will see Windows Firewall with Advanced Security. Although outbound rules are off by default, you can easily turn it on and specify which applications and ports are enabled.

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Mon, 16 Feb 2009 04:14:47 Z

I have a significant problem: I am unable to force a change in MAC address for my D-LINK WDA-2320 wireless card. By changing the appropriate NetworkAddress value in HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E972-E325-11CE-BFC1-08002bE10318} and restarting the adapter, it should be possible to change the MAC address to any valid value. However, it seems to only change to values of the form XE-XX-... (and perhaps a couple others) and any other value does nothing, reverting it to its default MAC address of 00-22-...

The built in gigabit adapters can be changed to virtually any valid address. Why can't the wireless? This is a problem.

OS version: Build 7000, 64 bit

Driver version: Vista64 1.20 (D-LINK)

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Mon, 16 Feb 2009 06:29:40 Z

Hi, Thanks for all the posts I've seen, (20 pages so far!) and missed, now. I have a question:

DarienHawk67 , Please, How do you do to add screen caps to these comments? Explain me please?

Thanks to Barth 2k, who learned me a beautiful quotation: (and very amazing to teach to my childrens) "to turn your PC into a brick"!

Some people will cry cause I write in red, anyway if... if... it's me the poor guy, then I acept and admit it. ,I

To finish, I buggued installing Microsoft Lifecam who caused a "Windows can't start normally" at boot "please put off your device you just installed" ;)


it's ok for the news Windows, all I have to wait now is a VS 10?      Right?         or           ;)         Azure?
                 or           ;)    a Live Antivirus?
                 or           ;) a nicotin patch for every Win user?

Zelda fan

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Mon, 16 Feb 2009 06:54:01 Z

Tony,

I'm copying some comments I made in the UI thread as they weren't issues as much as suggestions:

POSTED AS: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itproui/thread/d8141999-29ef-4965-82c3-a971eaed6c5d

I almost always have my file extensions, hidden and system files visible rather than hidden. That is most important when I am looking in my documents or projects directories. However, it is irritating to see the hidden "desktop.ini" and extensions show up on my desktop. Why aren't these settings adjustable on a per folder basis? It seems to me that I would design it such that there is a default system setting that applies everywhere a local setting was not specified. And why aren't thinks like desktop.ini part of a folders alternate datastream? Are we still targeting FAT file system users?

Further, there are a lot of hidden files that I don't want to see all the time. Mac users will often see "Mac-poop" files on all their shared folders that they acces with the mac. Why can't I have both a global and local "don't show no matter what" setting as well, where I can add file names, patterns or maybe even regular expressions to filter things.

One of the main reasons I turn on extensions is because I need to change them -- txt to htm, for instance. Other than that, I don't want to see them, and it clutters up the interface. When I slow-double-click on a file, it lets me rename it, but not the extension unless it's visible. How about a modifier key that if I hold down while slow-clicking, will allow me to change the extension without having to to enable "show extentions" for everything?

So in summary -- the global settings are still available, like they are now. But I can open the folder properties and apply custom options that get stored in an ADS (sorry -- NTFS support only). If there is no ADS stream, just the global settings apply. If there is, they override global settings. Because its in an alternate stream, no "explorer-poop" like "desktop.ini" shows up to clutter up your desktop.

At the very least, I should be able to rename stuff easily, and not have all the explorer/mac scat show up on my desktop when I want to see hidden/system files in the drive root or windows directories.

Just a suggestion...

POSTED AS: http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itproui/thread/7c433731-82c9-4c8b-b7ea-0381f146d2f3

So far I rather like the new taksbar/start menu. A minor suggestion would be to consider defaulting the menu to the side of the window rather than the bottom, as most monitors are going widescreen now, and especially in laptops, it sucks to lose 64 or so pixels across the bottom of the screen. Add to that the massive real estate sucked up by the new "ribbons" and you're down to three or four pixels of content on newer widescreen laptops...

Another issue is the lack of a "quick launch" menu. I found a helpful blog post that lets me add it back, but upon reboot, it was gone, and I haven't gotten around to googling it again yet. But essentially you add a shortcut to %appdata%/explorer/quick launch (or something similar) and your quick launch is back. When I had it going, I noticed that when I moved the taskbar to the side, the quicklaunch was a miniumum of two icons wide -- I guess I can live with that, but the right column icons were flush up against the left edge of the taskbar (when my taskbar was docked on the right edge of the screen), which just looked bad as opposed to a more centered display. Not a functionality issue, but an aesthetic one, -- bring back the quicklaunch and make it look good.

And yes, I know you can pin items to the taskbar, but I haven't found a way to make them small so my quick-launch items don't quickly consume most of the taskbar.

Lastly -- the "boxes" around running apps vs. pinned apps that are not running does not seem as intuitive as it should -- I had to stop and look at the taskbar for a good moment to figure out that the "boxes" indicated running apps rather than just being separators. With the prevalance of 3d video hardware nowadaws, can't you find a better indicator of a running app? How about a "motion blur" of the "running" icons (get it? They're running!). Or a glow/halo effect, or even a slight offset opposit the side that is docked? Something that more visually calls attention to the different status of the app rather than a box, which more or less seems to simply separate the icons from each other.

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Mon, 16 Feb 2009 08:08:41 Z

PLEASE INVERT THE TASK BAR WHEN VERTICAL

(Repeated in this thread so it gets "swept up")

I love using the new taskbar on the left side of my screen. But I wish the vertical taskbar was inverted, so the Orb is still bottom left and the icons "grow" upwards. It would feel much more natural. This would place the Show Desktop button at the top left, which would still be fine.

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Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:54:57 Z

@ elfesylvain

Haven't youy ever watched Zodiac Killer or similar creepy movie where somebody composes a letter from fragments of magazine and newspaper text? It looks psychotic. Why are you doing that?

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Mon, 16 Feb 2009 17:27:51 Z

Now that we can burn iso/bin images in Windows 7, how about the ability to mount them as well?

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Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:23:23 Z

I love the ability to use mutliple monitors WITH multiple taskbars..., I unfortunately CANNOT figure out how to simply turn the feature on and off!!! I "accidently" enabled it the other day and was ecstatic!...

Maybe you could make some of these new awesome features a bit more obvious to users and have a "turn feature on/off" button somewhere obvious (like in the Taskbar and Startup Menu Properties)...??

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Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:40:33 Z

elfesylvain: try http://www.techspot.com/drivers/driver/file/information/11291/ for your webcam

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Mon, 16 Feb 2009 20:14:55 Z

One thing I really prefer in Vista to the beta of 7 is that clicking on my username brings me to my user folder rather than a library. It makes it easier to get to my videos folder, my downloads, etc. Honestly its the main reason I stopped using 7. Well that and the problems I had with IE8.

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Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:11:27 Z

Genaldar said:

Honestly, I keep flip-flopping on the whole Library thing... sometimes I find it very useful, other times I find it annoying. I'm just used to going directly to my user folders I suppose. But the more I use it the more I'm getting used to it.

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Mon, 16 Feb 2009 21:12:40 Z

Roobaj said:

Now that we can burn iso/bin images in Windows 7, how about the ability to mount them as well?

I second this, being able to mount these instead of burn them is a lot better, especially since I bet most people out there have at least 500GB of external storage sitting on their desk.

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Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:00:01 Z

Could it be possible to rearrange the order of the tree items on the left pane of the explorer windows, and for this to affect all Explorer windows and common file dialogs.

For Example I would Like to move Computer to Just below Favourites, with Libraries, Network, and Homegroup below. I don't have a homegroup and don't plan to have one for the foreseeable (unless vista is able to use homegroups too) So could this be hidden when there are none present, and have them appear when they are detected.

Also could Music Players, and Phones etc, have their own category called Devices, and all removable storage appears there (leaving Computer for Internal Devices and Drives, but have them still visible when accessing the computers folder...) and it appears when detected, similar to iTunes and the Mac Finder.

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Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:22:16 Z

Very frequent logging of:

"The Diagnostic Service Host service failed to start due to the following error:
A privilege that the service requires to function properly does not exist in the service account configuration. You may use the Services Microsoft Management Console (MMC) snap-in (services.msc) and the Local Security Settings MMC snap-in (secpol.msc) to view the service configuration and the account configuration."

Checking Service status it shows the service faults even before start:

SERVICE_NAME: WdiServiceHost
        TYPE               : 20 WIN32_SHARE_PROCESS
        STATE              : 1 STOPPED
        WIN32_EXIT_CODE    : 0 (0x0)
        SERVICE_EXIT_CODE : 0 (0x0)
        CHECKPOINT         : 0x0
        WAIT_HINT          : 0x0

The Same logon account (Local Service) is used for DPS (Diagnostic Policy Service) and it starts without a hitch.

Morten Ross

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Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:26:46 Z

Please bring back "Invert Selection".

If I need to delete 995 files out of a thousand it sure is easier to select the 5 I want to keep, then invert the selection before pressing the delete key. I can't imagine having to select all 995.

Thanks

Mark

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Mon, 16 Feb 2009 22:48:55 Z

Hi !
I think Windows 7 is well built and fast, even if I'm testing only a beta version. I'm still stick on XP SP3 because Vista was not a good choice for my setup.
I'll jump directly to Win 7 when out, if keeps this going.

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Tue, 17 Feb 2009 01:28:46 Z

i like Windows 7 so much better than vista. in fact i am using in a productivity environment at times even though i shouldn't. i am only dissatisfied with a few things in Windows 7.

1) you really would have thought this would have been added by now but its not. the ability to have one screen saver on AC mode and then have a different one on battery mode. well, hey windows already has optional hibernate, sleep, and monitor dim timers. so why not this?

2) i would really like for the compatibility in IE8 to be fixed in Windows 7 beta. but i am sure it will. other than that i like the new look of it. it looks better than IE7.

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Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:23:57 Z

This has been my main problem with updating my OS for years. I can understand that there are new functions and new options and as a business, companies want to keep things fresh. An example of what I mean:

The new Microsoft office changed many features and the over all look and location of buttons and menus. I have been using MS office for years and can make this program do everything but tap dance. Because they changed so much without the ability to go back to the previous layout, I will only get the newest version if I can make it look like 2003.

A lot of things in Windows 7 are very different than XP. There are many nice changes and there are things that all around look and work better. There are things however that I feel are small and in the grand scheme of things don’t change overall functionality. I am going to go through what I feel should be added as far as customization goes and just over all general look.

I have talked to many people about what they want in updates in computer software. Most of the older adults that I have talked to, say that they are looking for easy access and something similar, in layout, to a previous version. The teens/young adults however are looking for creative and artistic with logical groupings.

I feel that both are important. Making windows less “brick” looking and more rounded and “bubblish” is very nice and pleasing to the eye. I feel that there needs to be options that go back to previous versions in layout. For one, I feel that the Start Menu should be one of those things that you can adjust to a classic looking menu. This is something that doesn’t change functionality of anything offered in Windows 7. I personally like the slimmer menu and really hate having a previous programs box. I turned it off so that all I see now is a white box on my menu. I really want that to go away.

Something else that is new that is rather small is the way that when you are browsing your directories, it used to be displayed as such: c:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\Skins. Now they are shown simpler. I think that is fine but I think there should be a way to go back to the way that I have shown and given back the button that allows me to go up one directory. Again, I don’t want to change major features, I just want to have some of the old ways of doing things back.

Before I go, someone on the forums said in one of my topics “Things change. Things improve. Life goes on.” This was said from a person that was rather short but this has a lot of truth to it. Even though things improve and things change that doesn’t mean that things can’t stay the same. If you have a beautiful diamond, and you find a bump on it, you aren’t going to grind half the diamond away to make it perfect. You are going to grind only the one bump and smooth it out into something that looks better. The Start Menu is something that is used no matter what you are doing on the Windows. You have to shut down your computer, right? That is something that should have many different looks and feels to it for everyone’s wants and needs. What I want is the old look and feel.

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Tue, 17 Feb 2009 02:24:08 Z

The abridged version of the post above:

I know that companies like to keep things looking new and shinny for their customers and I think that is fine but there are things that should have settings to revert back to an older version.

A lot of people I have talked to want either completely new looks or want to keep things simple with the old looks.

I think that Windows 7 Should offer the classic Start Menu again and should offer the old layout for directory names. (Ex: c:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\Skins)

That’s about it really. I know that I can be long winded sometimes but I really feel strong about changing things and making things as customizable as people want them to be.

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Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:00:44 Z

well overall, it's nice, i like it, better than Vista if I can say (I'm using both Vista and XP)

but..
first:
the windows media player taskbar button (play, pause, etc) is removed? right?
you should add it again.. because it's nice, playing music on windows media player, then minimized the media player, but still can control it.. a lot of people here missed it so much hehe..

second:
the notes, notes like in Vista's sidebar. it's gone, and replaced with sticky notes
I prefer the sidebar's note, because when i turn on my computer, log in to my windows, the notes show up automatically wherever I put it last time.. I usually undocked every tool in my sidebar (by the way, it's better on W7, good job!), so.. i think.. sidebar's note is better than sticky notes..

thx

P.S. Sorry bad english grammar
english is not my primary language

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Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:23:19 Z

I was directed to this post by a moderator posting on everyone's threads, including my own.

I apologize for using your forums incorrectly. Generally when someone puts together forums, the intent is to have people post a variety of questions and solutions across many topics, provided the topics fit the theme of the forum (software, hardware, etc).

Additionally, forums usually have some sort of rudimentary searching capability to allow us to find threads on an existing topic to post our experiences, concerns, solutions without having to start a new topic. But I digress.

Whether the intention was to scold us or not, it certainly felt that way. I will stop using your forums and move on. To those of you who provided assistance to any of my questions with similar experiences, I thank you.

I wish you luck with finishing up your operating system and getting it ready for the masses, and anxiously await it's release.

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Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:07:47 Z

i cant say so much until now, W7B works now for 3 Weeks and its run like hell. Now BSOD or anything else. It works perfect. Hardware Detection is brilliant.

There are only two things that are frustrating me.

WMP12 and IE8 Beta, both programms didnt working so good.

IE8 locked or crashed randomly, ok its beta but FF its better at the moment no crashes or lock ups.

WMP12 iam missing many featrures like flv support (looking youtube video directly under WMP12 would be fine.) Or streaming Videos through my Network (so that i can look them on my big led Tv)
Last but not least Radio and Video Stations, why there is no short cast list in it ? Each time i have to add an radio station like technobase.fm manualy :(

ok thats my first impressions, see you later

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Tue, 17 Feb 2009 17:56:49 Z

I understand that for whatever reason the classic start menu from W2K days is no longer an option in Windows 7. Ideally, the classic start menu would be restored (as an option). But if that is not possible, it would be really really useful if at the very least the search box could be turned off.

As a keyboard user, the search box is a double whammy. First I have to train myself to tab up before I can access the rest of the menu. Then if I forget the tab, the whole menu is obscured by the search results.

What I want from a program launcher is determinism. I want the same sequence of keys to generate the same result every time. That's easy with the classic menu - all but impossible under 7.

In fact the search box (which is useful enough in itself) would be far better placed on the task bar (or a task bar of its own). On the start menu it's just in the way of work.

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Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:01:22 Z

Mike Avelar said:

Roobaj said:

Now that we can burn iso/bin images in Windows 7, how about the ability to mount them as well?

I second this, being able to mount these instead of burn them is a lot better, especially since I bet most people out there have at least 500GB of external storage sitting on their desk.

Likewise. Having a native ability to mount ISO images is welcomed, desired, and necessary.

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Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:03:07 Z

markcynt said:

Thanks

Mark

Ditto. I have similar requirements where it is easier to select the inverse of what you really want and then select "Invert Selection." This is a must have.

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Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:07:15 Z

I agree - but until that gets fixed a workround is to select all - then control click the ones you don't want

As I said - just a workround and not a real solution

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Tue, 17 Feb 2009 18:40:00 Z

I tried Windows 7 a few weeks back and now using it to post this message. Everything worked fine except wireless which wasn't a big surprise. I installed wireless drivers (and I had to right-click on the setup file and click [b]Troubleshoot compatibility[/b] and change compatibility to Vista and it worked). Internet Explorer 8 seems good but it is render-error prone on a number of sites I visit (beta after all) and it has crashed once. I'll be installing Opera in a minute.

All the programs I installed worked perfectly from installation to use. One thing I gotta say is I definitely will be upgrading to Windows 7 when its out in final stages! The only thing I didn't [i]prefer[/i] was that the taskbar items were icons and I changed that in taskbar properties (right-click on taskbar and change [b]Taskbar buttons[/b]).

I know I shouldn't but I'm using Windows 7 for generally surf and use...but not for any important work.

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Tue, 17 Feb 2009 19:19:08 Z

Couple of things:

[IMPORTANT] When exiting a game of Counter-Strike source lately (with anti-aliasing on max from what I've noticed), every window border gets "corrupted". The images (I believe the shadows) turn into some low grade image with scale lines everywhere.

Logging off the user and logging back in returns everything back to normal.
GFX Card NVIDIA 8800 GT.
When closing the window, the animation of the closing is not smooth, It feels sort of lag-ish (unsmooth..), opening and etc are all smooth.
Right-clicking the desktop -> Gadgets does nothing for me does not work
When hovering over an applications icon in the task bar (and the application has multiple windows open), could you make it so that when I click outside (anywhere on the desktop or another app) it disappears instantly, like it does when I "click" the app's icon.
Similar thing for the "More try-icon" option. Once I click an icon, can you make it so that the pop-up thing disappears? I don't get why its still there opened :/
Can I customize the "Documents, Music, Pictures" and etc in the Task Menu for windows 7. I wanted to do that in Vista but I don't think its possible, at least I've never figured it out. I don't really use the Music folder often, but I would like to REPLACE it with a CUSTOM folder, not just disable it.
In the folder navigation pane, allow me to customize where the "my computer" is listed. let me drag/drop it in any order I want (top, bottom, middle, after favs and etc)

-----

I love the speed improvements in Windows 7. Although on Vista, my hard disk was rated at 5.4 and now on Windows 7 its rated 3.0, its running amazingly well. From copy speeds (on the same HDD) of 12MB/s on Vista its now at 60MB/s!

I like the fact that those long annoying shut down times (random) have disappared. It has a quick start up time as well :D

Overall its a definite improvement!

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Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:11:18 Z

Could you add UK Freeview support for the Happauge WinTV PVR-350 TV card please?

Thanks

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Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:13:34 Z

mozzerella said:

i cant say so much until now, W7B works now for 3 Weeks and its run like hell. Now BSOD or anything else. It works perfect. Hardware Detection is brilliant.

. . .

WMP12 and IE8 Beta, both programms didnt working so good.

. . .

WMP12 is booty. It looks nice, but needs quite a bit of work. I have submitted feedback quite few times. Hopefully in RC1, it will work better. I have a copy of 7022 that I will load to see if WMP12 is any better. I probably won’t post the results as this forum is only for build 7000. Nonetheless, I am pretty confident that MS will get it right as WMP is a critical “consumer” application.

IE 8 is good, but it also needs polishing. I do most work in IE8 and keep FF around for backup.

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Tue, 17 Feb 2009 21:21:54 Z

Glenn Kristanto said:

. . .

the windows media player taskbar button (play, pause, etc) is removed? right?
you should add it again.. because it's nice, playing music on windows media player, then minimized the media player, but still can control it.. a lot of people here missed it so much hehe..

. . .

The taskbar buttons are not removed—not in the real sense.

If you hover over a minimized media player, you will see the preview along with three interactive buttons that you can use to move forward, backward, play, and pause.

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Tue, 17 Feb 2009 22:04:49 Z

(Posted from another thread, moderator suggested that I post here.)

I have WIn7 x64, running on a Compaq F572 laptop (upgraded to 2 GB ram)

I've been trying to install a Linksys wireless print server. no joy.

The print server is current in its firmware, and my install disk is also as current as on the Linksys/Cisco website.

(This laptop used to run Vista, 32bit, and the Linksys s/w installed fine.)

The Linksys shell installer craps out, with an 'unsupported OS message', I tried running it in compatibility mode, no joy. I copied the install CD to my harddrive, and set compatibility mode on each of the involved exe files, still no joy.

Has anyone sucessfully installed this or a similar device, and if so, how ?

Thanks in advance.

Jim

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Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:00:59 Z

For the start menu I think it would be nice to see the buttons that can be shown for documents, music etc be totally customizable. In the taskbar and start menu properties where the item refers to those buttons and asks show as link show as menu or don't display. I think putting a button below those radial choices that says Customize should be added. When the user clicks on this button it displays the default path such as documents etc. The user can overwrite that path with a new folder or executable etc. THen the next field would say name displayed on button. This again would default to the normal documents, user name etc but can be changed to suit the new destination.

On the task bar I think the new pin to taskbar is nice however working with it can be a little confusing especially at first. If I have an Icon for internet explorer all he way to the left and then a few icons say Messenger, access then Mail. If I open internet explorer and then mail the two unopened items are still between the others. If I let the tab be extended like vista it becomes a bit hard to find the ones I haven't launched as they are sitting in the middle. I think it would be nice and make a few of the people quite about wanting the old quick launch menu if there was a setting on the taskbar and start menu properties where it would ask if you want unexecuted items grouped to the left right top bottom etc. and group the open launched items after unopened taskbar items on the task bar. If the user has the settings setup then the following would like this. Of course this is using text to mimic the display.
E = executed taskbar items
U= Unexecuted taskbar items

Windows 7 default

E U U E

With given user grouping

U U E E or E E U U

For the library function it is a good idea but there are a few things left to do.
    1st    move the folder that contains the data for the libraries should be moved from C:\Users\username\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows to simpley the C:\users\username folder.
    2nd    Have the folder allowed to be moved from the default location C:\users\Username to a second disc, disc partition, network location etc just as the my documents, favorites and other such folders. Too often in work and even in personal use I move all the folders in the C:\users\username to a disk partition or network location. This would prevent the loss of library locations if the c drive is restored to a point prior to the last library update.
   3rd    I give the opportunity somewhere in a user setup or group policy that would allow or not allow the use of libraries. Have it be specific. Ask if the user would like to use the library for each general item. There would be an option use library function. No would not allow any and point all items to the my documents, my music etc. If the selection is yes then have the option of changing settings for each item. Such as documents, music, videos etc. The user can select use libraries or use my folders on each individually.
    4th include favorites in the library functions and have IE support this.

Make a vista theme for windows 7.

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Tue, 17 Feb 2009 23:26:06 Z

DarienHawk67 said:

markcynt said:

Thanks

Mark

Ditto. I have similar requirements where it is easier to select the inverse of what you really want and then select "Invert Selection." This is a must have.

I third that, motion carried! I hope...

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 01:49:17 Z

Another comment copied from another post:

Compiz certainly has a lot of eye-candy, but I only find some of it actually useful! The rest is just pretty. But that kind of makes my point -- the "aero transparency" is purely pretty -- not usefull at all. All windows should have a user adjustable transparency setting. Since Aero relies on 3d hardware for full functionality, I don't see why MS doesn't tap a little emore of the power available in the 3D cards now available.

Another feature that would be really handy would be a HW accelerated window-shrink; rather than simply adjusting the borders, the window content would shrink. Currently, I am forever adjusting fonts and such to get content to fit in a web page or console at a size that lets me keep the window out of the way of other windows. If I could just "shift-click/drag" a window border to srink the window+comtents rather than just the borders, I think I'd experience a feeeling not entirely uinlike happiness. In fact, I bet the functionality is alrady available in the API that shows windows thumbnails from the taskbar...

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 02:17:37 Z

DarienHawk67 said:

Glenn Kristanto said:

The taskbar buttons are not removed—not in the real sense.

If you hover over a minimized media player, you will see the preview along with three interactive buttons that you can use to move forward, backward, play, and pause.

Hmm ok it's nice, but i still think that the "old style" is better.. because I can click it directly.. beside, it's located on rightmost of taskbar..
that's just a suggestion
thx

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 03:17:03 Z

Request that theme/scheme color changes be consistent across all aspects of the UI. The image speaks the 1000 words I don’t want to type.

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 03:17:39 Z

Something that I regretfully forgot to mention was that after I play a game, there are times after I close out of the game where the background image turns black. My work around for that is just to right-click and left-click "Next Desktop Background Picture."

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 03:27:09 Z

Win 7 is awesome in my book. Although I have 2 caveats: WMP and IE8. Both are slow and dated in thier look, feel and speed. Disappointed with IE8 so far as it is slow and seems to lock-up quite frequently. Get the same response with IE8 on my Vista Prem Sp2. IE8 seems cumbersome now with all of the buit-in bells and whistles Even managing add-ons, it is still slow when comapred to IE7. WMP need some of the simplicity and ease of use from version 8 or 9 Glitz is great, but people need serviceablility and ease of use

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 04:19:32 Z

I have a few problems with WMP. First off, I will not start maximized no matter what I do with it. Secondly, it refuses to display my album info in my library, and lastly, I can't use all my skins to make it look smaller (Kenwood skin.) Mostly, I don't like the fact that I have to maximize the window every time I want to start up a video file.

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 07:03:04 Z

DarienHawk67 said:

Mike Avelar said:

Roobaj said:

Now that we can burn iso/bin images in Windows 7, how about the ability to mount them as well?

I second this, being able to mount these instead of burn them is a lot better, especially since I bet most people out there have at least 500GB of external storage sitting on their desk.

Likewise. Having a native ability to mount ISO images is welcomed, desired, and necessary.

DarienHawk67 said:

Mike Avelar said:

Roobaj said:

Now that we can burn iso/bin images in Windows 7, how about the ability to mount them as well?

I second this, being able to mount these instead of burn them is a lot better, especially since I bet most people out there have at least 500GB of external storage sitting on their desk.

Likewise. Having a native ability to mount ISO images is welcomed, desired, and necessary.

True, true. I guess MS is still working on it. I read a Microsoft advertisement awhile back - they are looking for Tech people to work on Windows 7 Virtual Drive Native support. I hope this will already be done by the time Windows 7 is made available for the General Public.

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 13:10:22 Z

I would like there to be a way to adjust the size of the display thru xbox media center as at the moment i am missing the top and bottom! it was perfectly fine in vista when i ran it yesterday, so no idea why its not working today

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 14:39:48 Z

As suggested , I am posting my problem here :
Original Post I created was : http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itprohardware/thread/4a19562a-37e9-4ec3-9574-dfa28225e813/?ffpr=0

I used to have a MSI K9N Plat SLI nForce motherboard , AMD Athlon X2 4600+ CPU , 4 GB DDR2 Kingston RAM and a BFG 8800 GTX OC video card.
I was keen to try Win 7 as others have claimed it was nice and stable, gave the benefits of Vista but the performance of XP.

Initial install was a bit dodgy , I allowed the installation to keep a copy of Win XP (under Win.OLD) and install without destroying the data on that drive... right from the start Win 7 kept needing to reset the Primary Video Driver Kernel , it would flash the screen...pause a sec and then a bubble would inform me it reset the display.
This installation of Win 7 refused to play any games requiring 3D graphics, irrespective of which GFX driver I tried... it even failed to complete the rating... after a few resets even the POST test display was corrupted, but cleared up if I pulled out the power from the system and rebooted after a short wait.
I tried re-installing Win 7 as a fresh installation, formating the drive and allowing Win 7 to create the miniture partition it required, and all seemed well initially ... games ran , rating completed and system didnt reset the video driver... until I switch the system off and went to sleep. I switched the system back on a few hours later, and was playing about with Solitaire and the reset video problem occured, at this stage I decided to revert to XP as Win 7 was proving to be a problem.
The POST test display corruption was back, and it didnt clear... I tried the 8800 GTX in another system and the corruption was on there too, I tried another video card, a high end ATI card and initially it displayed ok but before I could complete the re-installation of XP that card refused to display anything... it was gone, even on the other system.
I was able to get the system to accept a Radium X1650 till I replaced the mobo and video card.

Now the old mobo and 8800 GTX had been pretty stable, I hadnt had any issues until I tried the win 7 beta. I am not blaming MS for my equipment loss, I am merely trying to work out IF it was Win 7 that took out my board , to warn other users what happened to my system and help work out what may be a nasty suprise in the retail.
I am not blaming MS because I chose to use a Beta program on my system.

My analysis of the problem is that Win 7 requested the Northbridge Chipset to do a function it wasnt capable of doing properly and didnt have a failsafe routine to deal with a failure to comply, this lead to the chipset getting damaged. It seems the damage was primarily at the PCI x16 level , as cards that only was PCI x8 capable still worked without problems on my MSI mobo.

What do you think happened to my system ?
Was it Win 7 related ?
Has anyone else had this issue ?

NOTE THE FOLLOWING: The system I used wasnt overclocked except the 8800 GTX ( and that was factory OC'd). The system had been stable under XP , and had played many a high end game including Crysis. I only used drivers supplied by the manufacturer, and no unusual software to try speed up the system.

Rest of the specs :

Athlon 64 X2 4600+
4 GB DDR2 Kingston RAM
8800 GTX OC
X-FI GamersEd sound card
1000 watt PSU
1 x IDE HDD
1 x IDE DVD
1 x SATA HDD
1 x EXT DVD (USB)
1 x EXT HDD (USB)

Thank you for reading.

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 15:05:59 Z

Lhyksus said:

If you mean having the native ability to create, mount, and use virtual disks that are in .VHD format, Windows 7 already has that ability built in. To do so, open Computer Management and right-click on Disk Management. There you will see the options to create and attach (mount) VHD disks. When you attach, you will see the disk available in disk management. From there, you can assign a drive letter or mount into an empty folder as necessary.

All Microsoft needs to do is just add just one more option there, “Attach ISO.” If they did that—and advertised the ability to do so—then all would be golden (kind of).

The funny thing is that VPC2007SP1 has the ability to mount ISO images for use in the virtual machines.

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 19:48:13 Z

win7 seems to have a lot of small touches in the UI that doesn't improve useability any. Examples:

explorer left pane: please bring back the tree lines for folders (or an option to show them).

if you want to get rid of the lines to make the display cleaner, at least increase the indent for subfolders. If you look at how trees are drawn in regedit, you see the indent very clearly, with the icon for subfolder lined up under the text of parent folder. in explorer pane, the icon for subfolder is halfway between the icon and text of parent folder, and there isn't a clear enough visual indent. this combined with no lines makes it hard to see what level a folder is at.

also, the icon indicators are really hard to see. In xp, in device manager, it's very easy to see at a glance which devices are disabled; they have a red X on them. I guess that's just too 'in your face' for 7, b/c the red X is replaced with a little down black arrow that I can hardly see. When I see a down black arrow, I don't immediately think 'disabled'. Likewise, shared folders in XP have a hand icon underneath. Very obvious. In 7, it's a little picture of 2 users, which means what exactly, it's a folder of pictures?

In start menu, on the right side, there are no icons next to the items. Instead, the icon shows up on top when you mouse over the corresponding item. Why? Is this so illiterates can tell what the text says? Like if you can't tell what 'default programs' means, you can tell by looking at the 4 colored circle with a green check mark? No. The idea of icons is so you can identify something at a glance and quickly home into the item to click it. So either put the icon next to the text or just get rid of it and save a bit of memory and CPU cycles.

I think most people find flip 3d pretty cool but useless. I think a few things that may help to make it more than just a demo: 1) rotate the windows more along the | axis so you and see more windows at the same time. not only that, you will be able to see more of the contents of windows. 2) have an option to make win+tab acts like win+ctrl+tab by default. 3) have an option to flip via mouse movement rather than scroll wheel (less effort). 2) and 3) will help the handicapped, namely, me :)

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 20:04:05 Z

@barth2k

I second bringing back the tree lines as an option that can be toggled at the user’s discretion.

I understand what you mean about the Start Menu icons, but since I have been using Vista since its beta days, that does not bother me at all. I actually kind of like the big icon on top thing.

I actually make good, functional use of Flip 3D as it looks good and has the same functionality as the standard <at><tab>. However, I do agree with your assessment and recommendations on how to make it better.

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:29:11 Z

Glenn Kristanto said:

DarienHawk67 said:

Glenn Kristanto said:

The taskbar buttons are not removed—not in the real sense.

If you hover over a minimized media player, you will see the preview along with three interactive buttons that you can use to move forward, backward, play, and pause.

Hmm ok it's nice, but i still think that the "old style" is better.. because I can click it directly.. beside, it's located on rightmost of taskbar..
that's just a suggestion
thx

I miss the old "Toolbar" for Windows Media Player, it was always there and at hand.

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:29:46 Z

DarienHawk67 said:

Request that theme/scheme color changes be consistent across all aspects of the UI. The image speaks the 1000 words I don’t want to type.

I concur.

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:30:59 Z

I'd like to see more capabilities around the use of tags within libraries.

For example, I created a tag in Photo Gallery called 'Screen Saver' and tagged several relevant photos in hope that I'd be able to easily select them in the Desktop Background Personalization selector.

Alas, when I use the selector, there is no ability to sort by tag. And when I'm in the Library view, there's no way to manipulate files based on their tags other than to arrange the view by a tag. Yes, I can open all the tagged pictures and do a copy, paste, whatever, but that's about it.

[BTW, I think there's a bit of a bug here: Arrange items by a tag, then Open those tagged items. Now arrange those tagged images by Folder, and you lose the tag selection -- it shows all the folders that contain the tagged items, but it also shows all the other non-tagged items.]

It would be ideal if you could create a folder within a Library that has some tag logic associated to it. You should be able to create a smart folder based on a tag or additional tag-based logic (such as the smart folder contains items with the 'Screen Saver' tag but not the 'Christmas' tag). While I'm sure the idea of smart folders in Explorer has been tossed around for years, I think its time has come, especially with the pervasiveness of tagging, especially around social media.

Thanks.

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:39:27 Z

DaveEC said:

Like you, I'm really enjoying Windows 7, however, MSIE8 does crash quite often, bot the 32bit and 64bit versions. WMP12 also crashes every so often in bother 32bit and 64bit version. And I am not reallying enjoying this whole "Library" thing in WMP, for one, I can't manually update the libraries (except if I drag and drop the files and folders - yes it does it in the background, but I'm sorry, when I put a file in My Video folder in Explorer, want to be able to open up WMP and see it right away. At one point, I put in files and just let it sit there, for over an hour and the files were not added.) PLEASE BRING BACK "F3" functionality!

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:42:17 Z

andythursby said:

I noticed this yesterday when I was streaming from my Windows 7 to the Xbox 360 dashboard... except I was loosing the sides on a video that is formated to 1280x720...

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:56:40 Z

Lhyksus said:

True, true. I guess MS is still working on it. I read a Microsoft advertisement awhile back - they are looking for Tech people to work on Windows 7 Virtual Drive Native support. I hope this will already be done by the time Windows 7 is made available for the General Public.

You know what confuses me? I use Virtual PC 2007 to keep a running copy of Windows XP at my finger tips... well, I can mount ISO files in that... why can't I do the same already in Vista and W7? Just something that my brain clued in on...

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 21:59:25 Z

DarienHawk67 said:

Lhyksus said:

All Microsoft needs to do is just add just one more option there, “Attach ISO.” If they did that—and advertised the ability to do so—then all would be golden (kind of).

The funny thing is that VPC2007SP1 has the ability to mount ISO images for use in the virtual machines.

It would be more useful if you could right click on the ISO file and select Mount As... and then have a dialogue box asking what drive letter you want to assign it. IMHO.

I totally wish I had read your post before I brought up the Virtual PC 2007 thing...

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:02:28 Z

Ken Poore said:

All those nifty tools they had with Windows Vista Ultimate NEED to come back. I really miss all the 64bit tools for photos and video they provided. The Windows Live stuff is ok, but it is not available in 64bit which makes it painfully slow to process things. Thankfully Windows Media Encoder 9 x64 still works in Windows 7, otherwise I'd have a mental break down.

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:27:07 Z

DarienHawk67 said:

Options are good. Being forced to use the sidebar and not be allowed to customize my UI at least by turning features on and off will be a deciding factor in my staying with XP Pro or upgrading to Windows 7.

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Wed, 18 Feb 2009 22:47:15 Z

Hi,

I'm really disapointed that Windows 7 doesn't work with my computer (blue screen and reboot after "Windows 7 is preparing your computer for 1st use").

I know it's a beta testing release but I'd be very angry if a similar thing occurs if I buy and install the final release of Win7.

My configuration is just 1 year old with an Intel dual-core running a Windows Xp really stable.

I hope that bug will be fixed.

Original thread :

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/thread/80deca1a-eb5e-4851-a22c-06dcb59bd7d4/

Good luck for further development.
BJ

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Thu, 19 Feb 2009 02:40:36 Z

Please Microsoft; change the default wallpaper from the blue painted fish to something more artistic. If I want to see fish, I will turn to the Animal Planet. (I am sorry, I could not resist)

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Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:16:15 Z

The name of that fish is "Betta" pronounced BETA.

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Thu, 19 Feb 2009 10:18:07 Z

Strange Icon Bug On "Computer" Desktop Icon

here's a screenshot

on the left when the computer is selected, just after the "r" there is a short vertical line. the line stays there if i unfocus by clicking on the desktop and will only go away when i click on another icon. eg. on the right

It's nothing major until you notice it, after you do, it just keeps niggling on your mind like a dead pixel.

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Thu, 19 Feb 2009 11:14:40 Z

arunkshrestha said:

Strange Icon Bug On "Computer" Desktop Icon

Well, I thank you not. Now that it has come to my attention, I keep on looking at it. LOL

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Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:28:59 Z

There also another issue.

When I start my laptop and close the screen for W7 to boot up and then open up the lid, the icons are all auto arranged like i clicked the auto arrange button.

I have icons on different parts of my desktop so it's a bit annoying to have to drag icons back to their place again.

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Thu, 19 Feb 2009 13:29:28 Z

It seems to affect any desktop icon that ends with the letter R. Simple workaround, put a space after the R, and it disappears.

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Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:20:56 Z

Zeus76 said:

The name of that fish is "Betta" pronounced BETA.

Well, as Popeye would say, “Blow me down.” I did not know that; I guess my ignorance is coming through now. J

Low and behold, here is “betta.”

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/Kampffisch_betta_splendenscele4.jpg

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Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:22:51 Z

Request: please add 'auto hide taskbar' to the taskbar's right click menu. I use 125% DPI and occasionally I end up with a dialog that extends beyond the taskbar, or I just come to a situation when I just need some extra vertical space. It'd be nice to be able to quickly toggle the taskbar w/o going thru the dialog. I think lots of ppl will find it useful too.

Request #2: put the active window into 'full screen' aka kiosk mode with a shortcut key, e.g. ctrl+Win+up arrow. Many programs support this but many don't and you wish they did. This would remove the window's frame, menu, and extend its height past the taskbar to take up the entire screen. I think this should be possible with windows that use the standard API to draw frame and menu, no?

Interesting, I just found win+F brings up a search dialog. unfortunately, it doesn't give you any more options than the search box in explorer. and you can't select the location to search either. But this would be the ideal place for an advanced search dialog, right? I mean, we already have the simple search in the start menu and explorer. I know I can do complicated search using the query language, but seriously, if I want to rtfm and tax my brain and fingers, I'd use Unix.

please get over this obsession to strip the UI of anything that resembles complexity. It just makes doing things previously exposed by the UI harder.

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Thu, 19 Feb 2009 15:23:33 Z

arunkshrestha said:

Strange Icon Bug On "Computer" Desktop Icon

Well I'll be darned. I normally don't keep the Computer icon on my desktop. Sure enough when I enabled it and selected the icon, the little artifact appeared.

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Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:15:57 Z

One of the things I like about the new taskbar is the ability to close programs right there by either hovering and clicking the small red X or by right-clicking and selecting Close Window.

The problem is with applications that have documents that need to be saved. For example, trying to close Word 2007, after making changes to a document, via the taskbar by right-clicking the icon makes the taskbar icon flash. When you then click the flashing icon, you get the “Do you want to save changes . . “ dialog box. Similarly, when you close Word 2007 by hovering over the taskbar icon and clicking the small, red x immediately brings up the same dialog box. What makes this annoying is that the dialog boxes will appear where Word 2007 is located on the desktop—which may be quite a ways away from the taskbar icon. This is especially bothersome when using multiple monitors and the application in question is on a monitor other than the one where the taskbar resides.

This behavior is consistent with other applications that require its subject to be saved prior to the application closing.

I would suggest that the “Do you want to save changes . . .” and the following Save As dialog boxes appear in the same vicinity as the taskbar icon.

I would not necessarily classify this as a bug, but as a UI annoyance.

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Thu, 19 Feb 2009 16:21:21 Z

arunkshrestha I have been having that laptop problem ever since I got Windows XP Media Center Edition. It annoys the **** out of me.

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Thu, 19 Feb 2009 19:50:48 Z

Microsoft: You can see feedback posted by myself, Chris123NT, and our forum members here: http://www.geeksmack.net/forums/index.php?showtopic=1818&st=0

Sinofsky even replied. :)

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Fri, 20 Feb 2009 00:34:13 Z

Anthony_Mann said:

Windows Client IT Pro Audience Manager for Web Forums

Well, I know you said not to use this for issues but Mark L Ferguson said to do so anyway so here goes. Below is a copy and paste from the Hardwaare Compatibility forum of a post I made there not so long ago. That post was a follow up to one I made a reasonable time ago.

I know I posted this in the correct forum but there are no answers there at the time I post this so I thought I would try here.

I have Vista Business (32 bit for clarity) SP1. I downloaded the W7 beta and burned the ISO to a DVD and inserted that while still in Windows.

I started the DVD and the install window came up and I clicked on install now. All the uther blah blah comes up and you agree to sell your first born to the man with cloven feet and horns on his head then you get to the section where it gives you the opportunity to upgrade or fresh install. I *WANT* to upgrade. I dont want to fresh install. So I choose upgrade.

It goes through the compatibility check and then stops and tells me I need to update drivers and tells me the drivers needing updating are the disk drives. I have 2 x sata NOT set as raid. It says, then, that it cant continue, open control panel and update the drivers. You get no F6 or any other option to make it LOOK for drivers at all here. Nothing. So I click the X and it cancels upgrade. I did check, the first time, for updated drivers and there are none. I have since gone on a look for specific drivers and have found nothing useful.

So how do I make my SATA drives something that W7 upgrade can see? My vista SP1 can see them. I also went into BIOS and everything was right there but I took the time to change BIOS to force it to load the disk drives using IDE master and slave instead of using normal Sata and it didnt make any difference to the upgrade.

Any help appreciated. Gigabyte 8I865GME-775-RH F1 motherboard. P4 3.0 Ghz CPU. I disable antivirus and pull out all USB items before attempting to upgrade. Thanks for any help.

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Fri, 20 Feb 2009 04:28:08 Z

@Gregishere

When you get to the point where Windows 7 asks for a destination, click on Drive Options (advanced). From there, select Load Driver. This is the <F6> that you are used to using with XP. Since Vista, this is the new way to present drivers at install time.

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Fri, 20 Feb 2009 04:50:58 Z

DarienHawk67 said:

As I stated in my message, I dont get F6 and I dont get anything else. As I said, it goes through the usual, gets to where it checks compatibility then stops telling me I need to install SATA drivers and dumps me back at Vista Desktop. There is no option to install SATA drivers that it is asking to be installed and no way to tell it where to find them either. So thanks for the reply but as stated, I dont get any options at all. Using Vista SP1 Business.

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Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:18:45 Z

Initially I had enormous problems installing W7 64bit Ultimate. But after figuring out that USB & DVI/HDMI devices being activated w/o proper drivers make the install hang. I installed W7 w/o the DVI/HDMI and all USB devices, no probs. Ever since then I have not had any problems with W7 besides hating the MP4 and MP3 decoders. Checking graphedit the progression of audio and video disappear in a black hole and progresses back in the graph to the output. In XP I have more control over what to decoders to use that also use less CPU power but with the same enhancements. Why mess with mp4 (DivX/XviD) and mp3 anyways this has never been a problem that was insurmountable for anyone.
@ the moment using W7 64bit Ultimate as primary system (long duration run) & am very satisfied beyond what I have mentioned previously.
Even the drivers for my recently aquired graphics card (EN9600GT - W7 drivers) installed w/o me touching anything. There was a delay of 2-3 minutes between turning on W7, the correct detection and installation of the drivers.

The A/V issue for me IS a dealbreaker & will make me stick to XP until death if necessary.

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Fri, 20 Feb 2009 08:26:24 Z

DarienHawk67 said:

Please Microsoft; change the default wallpaper from the blue painted fish to something more artistic. If I want to see fish, I will turn to the Animal Planet. (I am sorry, I could not resist)

Ugly ain't it! (& fake) / W7 Aquarium edition. (add water sounds in DD, freak ya out)

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Fri, 20 Feb 2009 12:48:15 Z

DOUBLE CLICK ON DESKTOP TO OPEN AN EXPLORER WINDOW

I'm a great fan of Directory Opus, which provides this facility. To be able to double click on any exposed part of the desktop and open an Explorer window in incredibly handy and a major productivity boost.

I suggest it would open the Computer window, although others might prefer Libraries.

(See http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itproui/thread/865947b9-179d-49f3-a927-65703ac5708e for original thread.)

Thack

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Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:07:14 Z

When installing on a empty HDD ( new one ) I choose to create C: partition of 30 Gb ( example ) and the result is allways C: = 200 Mb and D: = 30 Gb. What's that partition with 200 Mb ?!?!?
I've deleted all and recreate C: with 30 Gb ( wanted ) but again and again the same C: = 200 Mb was created as first partition.
What's the sense of it ? In XP was an 8 Mb allways left at the end of disk. Now again but 200 Mb ?

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Fri, 20 Feb 2009 13:52:03 Z

Thack said:

DOUBLE CLICK ON DESKTOP TO OPEN AN EXPLORER WINDOW

That would be a nice opition of which I could make great use. Impliment as an option the end-user could toggle on or off.

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Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:01:22 Z

Cristi-M said:

On a clean install, the 200MB partition is a boot partition similar to how Linux uses /boot partition. The drive on which Windows 7 is installed and where %windir% resides—when viewed from within Windows 7—will still be “C.” If you really want to see what is contained on the 200MB partition, assign it a disk letter in Disk Management and have Explorer show protected operating system files (be aware that once you assign the 200MB partition a drive letter, you may be in a position where you cannot unassign that letter. If that is not desirable and you still want to investigate the contents, mount the 200MB partition to an empty directory and peruse the contents from there).

This is not wasted space and it is not the same as the 8MB unallocated space that you are used to seeing in Windows XP.

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Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:23:45 Z

Zeus76 said:

The name of that fish is "Betta" pronounced BETA.

The Siamese fighting fish (Betta splendens), also known as the "betta fish" or just "betta", is one of the most popular species of freshwater aquarium fish. It is native to the rice paddies of Thailand and called pla-kad or pla-kat ("Biting Fish") in its native Thailand.

The Betta fish is a relatively inexpensive way to enter the aquatic species ownership realm. Because these fish are descendants of the wild betta fish which live in oxygen-poor environments, Siamese fighting fish are capable of living in smaller containers than most aquarium fish, without the filters and aerators that other aquarium fish require, although this isn't the ideal living situation.[1] Shopping for a betta can be a discouraging experience, because due to poor training or indifference on the part of pet-store staff, chain or locally-owned, bettas are commonly found displayed in water heavily contaminated with their own waste. The name Betta (or betta) is pronounced /ˈbɛtə/.[2] The name Betta is not a to be confused with the Greek letter beta. Instead, the name of the genus is derived from ikan bettah, taken from a local dialect of Thailand.[3]

B. splendens usually grow to an overall length of about 6.0 centimetres (2.4 in), though some varieties reach 8.0 centimetres (3.1 in) in length. In recent years^[when?] breeders have been able to create "Giant Bettas" that exceed 8.0 centimetres (3.1 in) due to the manipulation of a mutant gene. Although bettas are known for their brilliant colors and large, flowing fins, the natural coloration of B. splendens is a dull green and brown, and the fins of wild specimens are relatively short. However, brilliantly colored and longer finned varieties (i.e. Veiltail; Delta; Superdelta; and Halfmoon) have been developed through selective breeding.

The betta is a member of the Gourami family (family Osphronemidae) of order Perciformes, but was formerly classified among the Anabantidae. Although there are nearly 50 other types of bettas, B. splendens is the most popular species among aquarium hobbyists, particularly in the United States.

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Fri, 20 Feb 2009 14:25:52 Z

Anthony
I've tried Win7 (32 and 64) since beginning. The only difference between both interfaces are marginal. The 32 bit version accepts more drivers. It is difficult to get some hardware started in the 64 version. So far the minor problems. Since I used XP for backing-up files it is not possible to open the backups in Win7 (both versions). Is there a workaround for this problem?

Robbert

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Fri, 20 Feb 2009 16:10:23 Z

r0bb3rt said:

I had the same issue of backing up files when I went from XP to Vista... in the end I just ended up doing a straight copy to an external HDD and then doing a clean install of Vista and copying the files back. It worked out okay that way. In fact I still do it that way. The Back up tools in Windows Vista were pretty good, haven't had a chance to use the ones in Windows 7.

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Fri, 20 Feb 2009 18:30:00 Z

r0bb3rt said:

Here you go. This will allow you to open your backups that you made in Windows XP.

Windows NT Backup - Restore Utility

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?FamilyID=7da725e2-8b69-4c65-afa3-2a53107d54a7&displaylang=en

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Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:19:48 Z

Mike Avelar said:

... in the end I just ended up doing a straight copy to an external HDD ...

That works for me. Exactly what are these other folks wanting to backup? I mean, audio, video and graphic files are already about as compressed as they're going to get. Jamming them into .cab files is just added inconvenience... ???

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Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:24:40 Z

Here is something new, I plugged in an external HDD into a USB port and my mouse became less responsive.

1x Vantec NexStar 3 (eSATA & USB 2.0) with a Maxtor 80GB HDD inside.

Nothing of interest noted in Event Log.

Here are my system specs:
------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 2/20/2009, 15:25:30
       Machine name: MIKE-PC
   Operating System: Windows 7 Ultimate 64-bit (6.1, Build 7000) (7000.winmain_win7beta.081212-1400)
           Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: ASUSTeK Computer INC.
       System Model: P5N-T DELUXE
               BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
          Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Quad CPU   Q9550 @ 2.83GHz (4 CPUs), ~3.1GHz
             Memory: 8190MB RAM
          Page File: 1663MB used, 15014MB available
        Windows Dir: C:\Windows
    DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
   User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
    DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
     DxDiag Version: 6.01.7000.0000 64bit Unicode

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
        Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT (Prerelease - WDDM 1.1)
     Manufacturer: NVIDIA
        Chip type: GeForce 8600 GT
         DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
       Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0402&SUBSYS_82431043&REV_A1
   Display Memory: 2544 MB
Dedicated Memory: 497 MB
    Shared Memory: 2046 MB
     Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
          Monitor: Generic PnP Monitor
      Native Mode: 1280 x 1024 (60.020Hz)
      Driver Name: nvd3dumx.dll,nvd3dum,nvwgf2umx.dll, nvwgf2um
   Driver Version: 7.15.0011.7923 (English)
      DDI Version: 10
     Driver Model: WDDM 1.1
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 11/20/2008 21:25:00, 7770624 bytes
      WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp:

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Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:46:29 Z

Does anyone have ANY idea why W7 32 bit doesnt UPGRADE install on my Vista SP1 Business edition please? It fails needing SATA drivers and there is no point at which it asks for any spot where the drivers are in order to use them (eg, like an F6 button).

Failing not knowing how to get around it, does anyone know where to go to get this problem fixed? I imagine any company stupid enough to put Vista in will want to UPGRADE install but you just cant do it.

Thanks.

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Fri, 20 Feb 2009 20:58:42 Z

egads said:

Mike Avelar said:

... in the end I just ended up doing a straight copy to an external HDD ...

I'm not sure... when you compress a compressed file it actually gets bigger...

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Fri, 20 Feb 2009 22:01:08 Z

Fantastic clean install time of 16.23 mins to get the desktop loading using Gigabyte P-35Ds4 Rev 2.1 board, E6750 proc and 4 Gb Kingston ValueRam DDR2 800

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Sat, 21 Feb 2009 01:31:56 Z

DaveEC said:

Fantastic clean install time of 16.23 mins

hmm. fantastic install time? I guess you expect to do that a lot, eh?

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Sat, 21 Feb 2009 06:23:37 Z

I have no contentions generally. I will be moving on to Windows 7. I think it is more 64 bit orientated than its predecessors, and generally , after a few touch ups, we hope, will handle most operations a little slicker.

But I may see things through different glasses, with regard to any new items, for example:

I don't use the Paint program, so no comment. The revised version could easily have been patched into Vista.
I had no problems with the old taskbar and, frankly, only see more visual effect with the new one.
The Older system monitors in Vista did all that I required, i.e they showed the various activities.
No idea about the Media player, but if it has been "upgraded" perhaps it could have been patched into Vista?
Pictures, themes etc. No comment. I usually limit mine drastically, for improved performance.
Dont use gadgets. The ones I may have an inclination for are available, if required.
New Calculator. I hope noone regards that as a "Major" improvement in an OS. Also could be put in Vista
Quicker defragmenter. Yes.
IE is not really a consideration.. It is being developed for Vista also.
I read on one post that 7 has easier access to mail accounts. Not sure where he was going with that one. I use Live Mail which gives me one click access to all my accounts, as it did in Vista.
The Date is visible. ?. I can remember the date, old as I am, but a simple hover in Vista brings it up instantly.
I,ll ignore the checkers, as an OS improvement.
But.

Both programs run 100% for me.(Vista and 7 32bit and 64Bit). I feel that we should really be looking at Performance improvements though, rather than modified built in software options. I will have no hesitation in moving on to 7 when it reaches retail stage.

There are a few benchmarks out in the past few weeks, which has given time for testers to play and customise 7. I failed to see the hysteria over 7, as my own home tests did not bear out with what was being said. Uunless compared with another OS on the same, or identical computer. the benchmarks do not convey any meaning.

On my very average laptop, unfortunately, I am not so excited. Vista overtuned, 7 tuned as best is known. Full Programs and hardware. Lan and Internet

Loading. Avast doing its final thing. (A real time hog on startup.)
Vista boot up in1.20 mins: 7 in 2.20
Both shutdown in about 10 seconds.
Both run programs at near enough, the same speed.
7 definitely outclasses Vista in compatibility.
Speed on the Internet about the same.
7 uses a little less memory on my computer. Not much of a consideration, as I have memory to spare for either system.

The biggest lag is the antivirus at the end of the chain. This would alter benchmarks, according to which program they are using.

On the same machine, dual booting, or on identical machines, the difference can be measured in only a very few seconds. My own habits do not Again, there does not seem to be any reason why the boot up techniqueit could not have been incorporsted into Vista, but I am not a prgrammer, so perhaps it would have been insumountable.
Again, with the difference between the size of the average hard disk, at the beginning of the XP era, and the average size now, I don't think the footprint of the OS is a consideration. Removing the pointing finger from Microsoft, for a moment, there is not a lot of good software on the market that has not telescoped in size over the past few years.
With the software manufacturers at last waking up, 7 is a big step into the only future, 64bit. I think we will find that, within a year, you will have to be happy with the software you have running on XP, probably no longer supported in any way, or move on, as we did from 16bit.

Vista is a fine OS. One thing that has nor surfaced,which I feel was very much resonsible for its demise, was the Web. When XP was in Beta, and final release, Forums were in there infancy. Thus there was very little global feedback. At the time Vista began to emerge, Forums were mushrooming. The early releases, of Vista, were downloaded massively from pirate sites. Those early releases, not meant for the public, were full of bugs. The word spread, from home "experts" and pirating users, most of whom used hackneyed and constantly repeated advers comments from other sources. Vista was condemned as a disaster,months before its final release. I spend a great deal of time on help forums, and am so tired of reading one-liners "Vista was useless" etc. In most cases, whenever these posters are challenged, their answers are less than knowledgeable.
I earnestly believe that the reason that 7 has been received with such enthusiasm, is because of its (unimportant) install and bootup time, in its raw state. This must, of course, impress the average user. It is only in Beta, but I fell less confident than most, that the final product will not be so innovative as we may think.
My own amateur investigation of the files in, for example, system32, are inclined to lead me to the conclusion that 7 is a well tuned Vista. But I support the Business view. If it was neccessary to rebadge the product, to dispense with the really bad image, and sell some more products, so be it.

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Sat, 21 Feb 2009 10:04:44 Z

Please let me add network folders to my Libraries

I keep all my pictures on a NAS drive, so they are easily accessible from all the computers on my network. But I can't add that folder to my Picures library! This is a real shame.

I hope you can fix this.

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Sat, 21 Feb 2009 10:06:01 Z

Inconsistent fonts used in the UI

Please go right through the user interface and change all the fonts to Segoe UI. There are still legacy fonts in odd places.

See here for the original thread:

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itproui/thread/daaf5758-6020-4c58-81ee-43e33295b8e4

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Sat, 21 Feb 2009 10:07:05 Z

Wrong mouse click handling on taskbar clock/calendar

Please fix the clock/calendar on the taskbar so that the calendar appears on the OnMouseUp event rather than OnMouseClick event, so that it's consistent with the other system tray icons.

Original thread is here:
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itproui/thread/daaf5758-6020-4c58-81ee-43e33295b8e4

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Sat, 21 Feb 2009 10:16:57 Z

Please allow animation of network icon

Some people appreciate being able to monitor network activity. Please allow - as a user-selectable option - animation of the notification are network icon to show network activity.

Original thread (amongst several others):
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itproui/thread/daaf5758-6020-4c58-81ee-43e33295b8e4

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Sat, 21 Feb 2009 10:34:01 Z

Please let me open two Explorer windows more easily

Quite often I want to open two Explorer windows (source and destination). It would be great if I could just point at the Explorer icon on the task bar and:

1/ click (opens the first window)
2/ shift-click (opens the second window)

...and then sort out where each window is "looking".

At the moment I have to:

1/ click (opens the first window)
2/ go to the first window and navigate away from Libraries
3/ go back to the icon and shift-click

This is very messy.

Yes, I know I can use Ctrl+N to open the second window, but this makes the UI feel inconsistent (a combination of 21st century graphics with 1980s keyboard shortcuts).

Actually, the fact that Ctrl+N works proves that my suggestion must be fairly easy to implement; the software "hooks" are obviously already there.

Thack

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Sat, 21 Feb 2009 14:33:11 Z

I just recently updated the nVidia drivers to 176.something and have been running the system without reboot (I was never prompted) and had this happen:
Log Name:      System
Source:        Display
Date:          2/21/2009 9:26:22 AM
Event ID:      4101
Task Category: None
Level:         Warning
Keywords:      Classic
User:          N/A
Computer:      Mike-PC
Description:
Display driver nvlddmkm stopped responding and has successfully recovered.
Event Xml:
<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
<System>
    <Provider Name="Display" />
    <EventID Qualifiers="0">4101</EventID>
    <Level>3</Level>
    <Task>0</Task>
    <Keywords>0x80000000000000</Keywords>
    <TimeCreated SystemTime="2009-02-21T14:26:22.000000000Z" />
    <EventRecordID>2805</EventRecordID>
    <Channel>System</Channel>
    <Computer>Mike-PC</Computer>
    <Security />
</System>
<EventData>
    <Data>nvlddmkm</Data>
    <Data>
    </Data>
</EventData>
</Event>

and the again:
Log Name:      System
Source:        Display
Date:          2/21/2009 9:26:31 AM
Event ID:      4101
Task Category: None
Level:         Warning
Keywords:      Classic
User:          N/A
Computer:      Mike-PC
Description:
Display driver nvlddmkm stopped responding and has successfully recovered.
Event Xml:
<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
<System>
    <Provider Name="Display" />
    <EventID Qualifiers="0">4101</EventID>
    <Level>3</Level>
    <Task>0</Task>
    <Keywords>0x80000000000000</Keywords>
    <TimeCreated SystemTime="2009-02-21T14:26:31.000000000Z" />
    <EventRecordID>2808</EventRecordID>
    <Channel>System</Channel>
    <Computer>Mike-PC</Computer>
    <Security />
</System>
<EventData>
    <Data>nvlddmkm</Data>
    <Data>
    </Data>
</EventData>
</Event>

they were just warnings, no errors were logged and I'm not sure why... to me the video kernel crashed. But the OS handled it nicely if I do say so myself.

Here is the update details:

NVIDIA driver update for NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT (Prerelease - WDDM 1.1)

Installation date: ‎2/‎21/‎2009 8:24 AM

Installation status: Successful

Update type: Optional

This driver was provided by NVIDIA for support of NVIDIA GeForce 8600 GT (Prerelease - WDDM 1.1)

More information:
http://winqual.microsoft.com/support/?driverid=3667

Help and Support:
http://support.microsoft.com/select/?target=hub

I was playing TRU Demo before hand, so I wonder if it had something to do with the game? Not sure.

Cheers,

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Sat, 21 Feb 2009 16:50:13 Z

NetBT error on boot up:
Log Name:      System
Source:        NetBT
Date:          2/21/2009 11:41:02 AM
Event ID:      4311
Task Category: None
Level:         Error
Keywords:      Classic
User:          N/A
Computer:      Mike-PC
Description:
Initialization failed because the driver device could not be created. Use the string "001E8CDB6FE9" to identify the interface for which initialization failed. It represents the MAC address of the failed interface or the Globally Unique Interface Identifier (GUID) if NetBT was unable to map from GUID to MAC address. If neither the MAC address nor the GUID were available, the string represents a cluster device name.
Event Xml:
<Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event">
<System>
    <Provider Name="NetBT" />
    <EventID Qualifiers="49152">4311</EventID>
    <Level>2</Level>
    <Task>0</Task>
    <Keywords>0x80000000000000</Keywords>
    <TimeCreated SystemTime="2009-02-21T16:41:02.855200000Z" />
    <EventRecordID>2872</EventRecordID>
    <Channel>System</Channel>
    <Computer>Mike-PC</Computer>
    <Security />
</System>
<EventData>
    <Data>
    </Data>
    <Data>001E8CDB6FE9</Data>
    <Binary>000000000200320000000000D71000C013010000250200C000000000000000000000000000000000</Binary>
</EventData>
</Event>

Anyone else getting this? I think it may have something to do with MS Virtual PC 2007 SP1 network drivers that causes this problem. I'm trying to also figure out if this is the reason why my NIC is not initializing on some bootups, it seems to be random.

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Sat, 21 Feb 2009 17:21:52 Z

BUG: for some reason, the tray icon customizer keeps resetting the task manager's icon to 'show notification only' and I keep having to change it back to 'show icon and notification'. (I want to see the CPU meter.

REQUEST: have an option to not combine icons in the taskbar, but at the same time keep the look of the new taskbar. I.e., have separate icons for separate instances, but keep it icons only (no text) and have the icons stay in fixed position (no shifting/resizing). This means I have to identify the window by position or mousing over it. But that's fine with me, since even with the text, often there isn't enough of it visible to identify the window anyway.

here's a mockup of what it looks like with 2 instances of explorer and 4nt running

http://img4.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dupicons.png

I'm biased of course, but I don't see a problem with this option. Sure beats having to mouse over to see the multiple instances while keeping the clean new look.

PS: yes the icons are really big when viewed full size, but small icons are a little too small for me. wish I had more control over how big the icons are and how much horiz space there is between them.

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Sat, 21 Feb 2009 18:22:31 Z

Have send this as feedback to MS, but have been unsure if feedback is actually going anywhere seeing as its not showing up on my connect page.

Back up and Restore.

I've been doing about 1 full backup with System Image on average a week since the Public Beta was released, and have noticed every time that once the backup is complete, if you check the drive where the backup was made, it apparently takes up 0 bytes of space.however if you go into backup and restore and select Manage Space, it provides a completely different picture.

Data File Backup 3.1 GB
System Image 42 GB

this information should also be accessible by right clicking and selecting properties on the items on the drive.

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Sat, 21 Feb 2009 19:33:09 Z

tHIS IS MY FIRST BETA AND I'M IMPRESSED FROM HOW IT WORKS, NORMAL PROBLEMS WHEN YOU'RE USING A BETA WITHOUT ALL DRIVERS DEVELOPED.
i'M STILL PAINING A BIT WITH UAC BUT THIS PROBABLY DUE TO THE FACT THAT i'M STIL WITH MY OLD AND GOOD XP.

i HAVE ALSO TO SAY THAT FEW MANY PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN SOLVED WITH FORUM HELP AND THAT'S FANTASTIC AS i D NOT HAVE SUCH BIG EXPERIENCE TO DO IT FRM MY SELF

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Sat, 21 Feb 2009 20:47:32 Z

Great....
Thx ANthony,
Comments...windows 7....
IE8 needs work.., opening multiple windows creates a lag (which in xp never did) mind you I never liked Ie...8 is no better ..still have not tired firefox.
Install is good>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
VG
Its quick and knows what I have running.
Its always better to buy the good comp..'s :)
I was surprised to see the detail in work that went into refining the process of the OSec.
Nice visual job.
Easy to use and co-ordinate.
Issues
Installing multiple times to see if spec's stay the same
from......hardware to recognizing all functions of the pc's connectivity.
using the same dvd code.
gonna try other hardware components to see if time frame is equivalent.

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Sat, 21 Feb 2009 21:04:05 Z

I am removing the alert for this thread now so I wont receive any reply.

Basically, though, Windows 7 is a complete flop. If you cannot UPGRADE INSTALL 0 and you cant - then it is a dead loss.

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Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:12:42 Z

Gregishere said:

I am removing the alert for this thread now so I wont receive any reply.

Basically, though, Windows 7 is a complete flop. If you cannot UPGRADE INSTALL 0 and you cant - then it is a dead loss.

Yep it windows is definitely a complete flop...especially if you are the only one who cannot upgrade install....and yes it is a dead loss....for the person who doesn't know how to upgrad install....

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Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:18:26 Z

" PS: yes the icons are really big when viewed full size, but small icons are a little too small for me. wish I had more control over how big the icons are and how much horiz space there is between them."

...you can select size of the icons - large, medium, classic by
just doing a right click on the desktop - it right there in the context menu. And yes you can control the distance (both horizontal and vertical spacing) between icons. Just right click desktop to pull up context menu, choose personalise, select windows color, select advance appearance setting, look for horizontal and vertical spacing - set it to your desired spacing - save and that's it.....

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Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:59:05 Z

A couple of new functions I think are really great.

If you right click on icons on the task bar you now get varrying functions, e.g. explorer gives you a history of sites visited, great idea.

Also if you drag a small window to the top of the screen and release it goes full screen, and vice versa, drag a full screen window away from the top and it will reduce to windowed size.

Great idea's.

And for any Microsoft bods reading this, lots of other functions are making it hard to use other machines that are without windows 7.

e.g. hover over mini windows on the task bar to bring them to the front to view and then click on one to keep it at the front.

Now the not so good news, i originally tried an upgrade from vista on an HP HDX-18 but the problem was that when the install did the first critical update after finishing the install the graphics were restricted to basic, as in no aero function, like hover over task bar icons and get text instead of mini windows.

SO had to do a clean install to get proper graphics capabilities.

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Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:00:31 Z

Lhyksus said:

Gregishere said:

I am removing the alert for this thread now so I wont receive any reply.

Basically, though, Windows 7 is a complete flop. If you cannot UPGRADE INSTALL 0 and you cant - then it is a dead loss.

Yep it windows is definitely a complete flop...especially if you are the only one who cannot upgrade install....and yes it is a dead loss....for the person who doesn't know how to upgrad install....

+1 to you Lhyksus

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Sun, 22 Feb 2009 00:02:43 Z

Gregishere said:

I am removing the alert for this thread now so I wont receive any reply.

Basically, though, Windows 7 is a complete flop. If you cannot UPGRADE INSTALL 0 and you cant - then it is a dead loss.

That's kind of rediculous... its a BETA... what kind of system are you running... oh wait, you're not going to get this reply so no one can help you figure out what you are doing wrong... guess it's a dead loss.

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Sun, 22 Feb 2009 02:51:46 Z

I've read plenty of insults in this forum fired at people having problems because they upgraded instead of doing a clean install...

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Sun, 22 Feb 2009 03:11:57 Z

OK -- for the love of [insert diety here]:

File copy behavior in ALL OS's (including OS X) is STUPID. Please fix this. Here's what I suggest:

When copying a large number of files (not an uncommon occurance when upgrading HD's, or OS's), if there is an error (HD error -- one major reason for upgrading HD's, or duplicate file), the copy process HALTS and waits for your input. Worse, if it's a file system error, it aborts the copy!

This is especially galling because I don't sit and watch the copy when I am copying 10's of gigabyts or more -- I go do something else and come back in an hour or so to resume. How maddening when I see a "Duplicate file" error, and realize the whole process stalled because of one file!

Maybe there is some reason for this, but it escapes me. Why not have the copy continue in the background? Further, when copying entire folder hierarchies, if a copy stops or fails, there's no way to know where the file was (especially if deeply nested) without a search. Why not log the errors to a text file -- or XML -- and let the user review the errors at the end of the copy? So when I come back after an hour, I haven't wasted time, I can either click "copy" or skip for duplicates and complete the process, or stop the process and review the XML file at my leisure. The XML file should be broken into sections for each type of error -- duplicate, file system, file locked, etc. This lets me start a large file copy, assured that it will complete with a) only the error-causing files skipped and b) that I can easily start a new copy process that copies only the skipped files.

In fact, I should be able to simply right-click the XML file and chose resume copy/move after I have remedied any errors, or chosen to overwrite duplicates. Further, since I may not be able to remedy file system errors, I should have an option to copy, skipping over file system errors.

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Sun, 22 Feb 2009 11:34:49 Z

Kurt Hill said:

OK -- for the love of [insert diety here]:

File copy behavior in ALL OS's (including OS X) is STUPID. Please fix this. Here's what I suggest:

Hear hear! This has bugged me for years, too, so I'm going to follow this up with my own version of the request. This is primarily to help double the chances of it being picked up by Microsoft, but also because I don't want to offer a solution - just the request.

Thack

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Sun, 22 Feb 2009 11:36:34 Z

Please don't let "Overwrite or Copy?" prompts stop Explorer copying or moving other files

When moving a large number of files (from one drive to another, or over the network), Explorer will raise a prompt and pause if it finds a file which needs to be overwritten (or a copy made with a new name).

Raising a prompt is obviously fine and necessary, but please let Explorer continue copying the remaining files in the background. At the moment the entire process must be supervised in case one of these prompts comes along and stops the whole process.

I would like Explorer to finish processing all the files it can, queueing the prompts so I can deal with them in a batch at the end.

Thack

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Sun, 22 Feb 2009 15:38:33 Z

I would like to thank Microsoft for allowing us to test Windows 7. I have been a satisfied user since Windows XP. I am among the few that think Windows Vista is a great operating system also. The one major problem I have had with Windows 7 was with the Intel 965 Express Chipset Family (prerelease WDDM 1.1 driver). When I tried to run the program VideoReDo my computer would crash. I solved this by downloading a older driver from Intel. Thank you and keep up the hard work. I also hope Windows 7 goes retail before the beta expires.

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Sun, 22 Feb 2009 18:56:35 Z

I'm not a power user but I have had every Microsoft OS since DOS. I'm having a good time with Windows 7 and want to just go with it and dump all the old stuff. Everything I have installed and used has worked. Some of the applications I have installed and used without problems are:
Rhapsody music with synching to Samsung P2, Blackberry Storm, and Creative Labs Zen,
Napster,
Zune with synching files to a Zune player.
Blackberry desktop with synching outlook and installing new Blackberry OS.
Canon networked printer.
These types of applications tend to cause all sorts of issues but I have not encountered any with Windows 7.
I'm using the Norton 360 beta and it seems to be working fine.
I have Microsoft small business installed and the it Outlook checks my email faster than on any of my other PC's.

Overall everything seems to be faster.

Can we just get pay a license fee and keep this?

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Sun, 22 Feb 2009 21:14:45 Z

Lhyksus said:

that controls the size of desktop icons and does not affect the taskbar icons. at least on mine it does not.

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Mon, 23 Feb 2009 07:55:23 Z

Please allow Windows 7 to sort through start menu programs XP style. Especially the Folders at the top part. And the ability to create new folders and drag and drop stuff like in XP. I absolutely hate how it is in Vista, and having to go through windows explorer to do it also is much more tedious than XP was. Other than that the rest of the start menu is pretty good.

And the glow when you mouse over the start button is neat, but in my opinion it looks rather amateurish, as if it were drawn in MS Paint as opposed to Adobe Illustrator or something.

The way it lit up in Vista was just fine. Or maybe you could have the windows logo animate instead, like a flag waving through the sky.

But most importantly: Start Menu sort XP style NOT Vista. Folders at the TOP!

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Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:35:13 Z

So apparently this is the official feedback thread so I thought I'd add some feedback about a few UI issues that really bug me in hope that they get fixed. I get the feeling that there won't be any UI changes at this point but hopefully I'll be pleasantly surprised.

First, I'd like to point out that a variety of UI options can be presented as options, with whatever Microsoft feels is the best option for most users set as the default, but the options to customize the experience for advanced users who either want more functionality (even if it would confuse novices) or an environment that is closer to the legacy versions of Windows to reduce training/learning new habits.

My fear with some of the UI decisions I'm seeing in Windows 7 is that Microsoft is copying too much the Apple philosophy of simplifying by removing features or customiation options. I think this is unfortunate, as one of the advantageous of Windows is that there generally are multiple ways to do something so people can choose whatever method works best for them. I'm not opposed to hiding some functionality for the sake of simplicity and uniformity across desktops, but I really hate the idea of removing all customization options for those that want it. I think it's possible to have both simplicity and customization by using multiple levels of options: basic to advanced so that those options most likely to cause confusion are also most likely to be used only by those users who really want them.

For instance, while I realize it wasn't technically part of the OS, XP had a TweakUI powertoy which allowed lots of useful customization options, many of which, quite frankly, should have been part of the OS control panels proper. eg. LOTS of people don't like the "- shortcut" added to the end of all shortcuts. It shouldn't be such an ordeal to get rid of this feature. There was never a TweakUI for Vista. Windows 7 should have a TweakUI, either as a powertoy or preferably built into the control panel structure under "advanced" options.

Anyway, I'm hoping Microsoft takes some serious thought about the philosophy of the UI. There's nothing wrong with borrowing ideas from other OSes if they're good, but I hope Microsoft softens their stance on hardcoding UI choices and insteads chooses a philosophy of simplifying defaults but providing useful customizatino tools for advanced users.

I'll make more specific UI comments in the following messages.

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Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:44:37 Z

One of the biggest disappointments in the Windows 7 UI is the lack of column headers across all views in Windows Explorer. This was a great addition to the UI in Vista and I hate that it was taken away. This really streamlined sorting, grouping, stacking and filtering across all views. I principally use list, details and thumbnail views but often need to switch ordering based on filename, modification date or size. Having the column headers present at all times makes this a breeze. Now, multiple menu levels are required to do the same thing.

What's worse is it's not even possible to do some things that you could in Vista's Explorer windows. For instance, filtering can only be performed using the column headers since there is no menu for filtering. Therefore if you want to filter you MUST go into details view. If you want to filter but use a different view, you then have to go into details view, set up the filter, then go back, to another view. Furthermore, since the columns are not present in all views, one also loses the visual indication that filtering, sorting, etc have been applied.

I'd REALLY like to see an option to re-enable this feature.

If not, then I'd at least like to see an expansion for these features built into the Explorer toolbar. There's now a specific button on the toolbar for choosing view, at the right side of the toolbar. Why not add sort, group, filter and stack buttons as well, with visual indications on the button to indicate that some option was selected under that button. While less efficient than the pervasive column headers in Vista, at least this would be more useful than the current Windows 7 Explorer view.

I'd also add that it would be VERY helpful to have keyboard shortcuts to access the Explorer toolbar. For instance, keyboard shortcuts for jump to specific view types or sort by specific columns would be helpful. A keyboard shortcut for "New Folder" would be SUPER helpful. I've created my own using AutoHotKeys but even doing that was less than trivial.

Thanks!

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Mon, 23 Feb 2009 16:57:47 Z

My second biggest pet peeve in Windows 7 is the change to the list view in Windows Explorer.

On the one hand, there was a major improvement to this view. In Vista and previously, all columns in this view were the same width and equal to the width of the longest filename. In Windows 7, this is finally improved so that each column's width is sized to fit the filenames within that column so some columns are wider than others and more files can be viewed in a window at the same time.

The problem is that there is now a maximum column width so it is no longer possible to see the full filename for files with long filenames. Instead, the end is truncated and replaced with an ellipses "...".

I have a tendency to use long filenames as I find it helpful when searching for files to put lots of relevant info into the filename. This may include, date, version number, content, authors, even keywords. I'd consider revising my naming system if there were a universal metadata feature so that I could add arbitrary info to any file and therefore search or organize based on metadata. Unfortunately, this does not appear to be the case. The meta data available to a file is filetype dependant. I can add tags to photos, for instance, but not to any generic file. PDFs have their own meta data but frequently these are both not filled in and locked for modification so that I can't fill them in myself. So essentially putting the meta data into the filename is the only workable solution for me in many cases and beats doing full content indexing/searching.

So the fact that I've now lost the ability to see full filenames in list view in Windows 7 is a MAJOR issue that impacts on my daily usage of the OS. It's often not possible to destinguish between different files when the end of the filename is obscured. Also, the info bar at the bottom of the window is less than useful. Even it doesn't display the full filename unless I use the largest setting. The info bar should be more customizable so I can decide what pieces of information I really want to see. The only option to see the full filename in most views now is to hover the cursor over the file and wait for the tooltip to popup with the full name.

Even this is problematic because in Windows 7 the tooltip display seems buggy. Often even though I have the right window selected, hovering over a filename will not bring up the tooltip. I need to select something else then come back and MAYBE the tooltip will come up. Furthermore, there is a delay before the tooltip comes up so finding the right file is much slower and more frustrating than it should be.

So:
1. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE give me back an option to allow for full filename display in list view or at least an option to set the maximum column width (preferably, including the option for no maximum). If the filename is too long to fit in the window, then there are 2 options: a) horizontal scroll bar, or b) in this case it would be acceptable to use an "...", although preferably in the middle of the filename and in a different colour so that it is obvoius the full name is not being displayed. Then, if I resize the window to make it wider, more of the filename can become visible until eventually when the window becomes wider than the filename, the whole filename will be displayed.

2. PLEASE give us an option to control the delay between hovering the cursor over a filename (or any control) and when the tooltip will pop up. This could even be a system wide setting. Overall, I'd love it for tooltips to come up much faster.

3. If nothing else, make the info bar more customizable so I could have say the filename on a single line so it's always visible in full.

Thanks!

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Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:04:06 Z

To follow up on the long filename display issue, in Windows 7 now the only view that will let me see full filenames is the Details view. I'm concerned that given the trend Microsoft is following, they will eventually remove this feature even in details view!

PLEASE DON'T!

I've used OS X and that's one of the things I hate about it. Even in details view in OS X one can't see full filenames if they are too long. There is an arbitrary column width maximum. PLEASE DON'T COPY THAT!

In fact, in OS X there's only one view where full filename are visible and it saddens me that this is now the case in Windows 7 too

To make matters worse, there appears to be a bug in the details view. If you use the "size all columns to fit" option when right clicking a column heading, if there are columns to the right or left that are not currently displayed in the window, they will not be fit correctly and will instead be made very narrow. So you need to horizontally scroll and apply the autofit feature multiple times before all the columns are fit properly. This shouldn't happen.

Also, the columns are only autofit to the info that is currently visible in the window not all the files in the folder.

It turns out Vista also does this so I guess it's by design. But it would be really nice if there was an option I could enable to have autofit fit to all files, not just the visible ones!

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Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:09:22 Z

Another useful feature to add, an option to sort folders along with files. If I sort by filename all the folders are at the top of the list. If I sort by reverse modified date, all the folders are at the bottom of the list. This can be a useful way to organize so I'm not suggesting changing this, but rather have an extra option to sort folders within the file list not as a separate list at the top or bottom. This can also be very useful. This could be an extra check option in the sort menu or maybe have a dedicated button in the Windows Explorer toolbar to enable/disable integration of folders with the filelist. Alternatively (or additionally) there could be an extra folder view ("All Items - Folders sorted with files") so that some folders will always be sorted this way, and others won't.

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Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:28:09 Z

Okay, another issue related to long file/pathnames, tooltips and the UI is the way this is implemented in the taskbar. I find that the whole idea of using thumbnails to help locate windows is only partially useful. It's useful for windows where there is enough layout or graphical material to clealry destinguish one window from another. Multiple photoshop windows with different graphics or views, even multiple browser windows, would fall into this category.

However, for many applications there is simply not enough graphical difference for a small thumbnail preview to be a useful differentiator. Thumbnails will not help much in picking out 1 of 8 explorer windows or Excel Windows (assuming Excel is ever updated to actually provide thumbnail info for each open datafile, which at the moment it doesn't making the thumbnail preview even less useful).

So in situations where thumbnails are not very helpful, TEXT, is much more useful. I feel this is an area neglected in the UI and I'd like to see this fixed.

Being able to see the path of an explorer window is much more useful in finding the window I need or the filename of an excel file, etc.

The problem is that this information in the taskbar is very inefficiently incorporated. I like using the "group when full" option of the taskbar which give me more textual info on each window in the taskbar itself.

I've noticed, however, that the window title is ONLY displayed above the thumbnail if the taskbar button is grouped. And then only part of the title is displayed if the title is too long to fit above the width of the thumbnail. So again, we're left with having to wait for the the tooltip to pop up with the full filename or pathname for an explorer window. Again, the tooltip delay is too long so this is very inefficient.

Also, for explorer windows one has the option of displaying full pathnames or not. However, if you don't display the full pathname, you can have multiple windows with folders of the same name on different paths (eg. a network drive) so there is no way without waiting for the tooltip to determine which path a window belongs to. In principle the address bar may give this info, but because of teh breadcrumb view, often only the last few folders in the path are actually visible without clicking in the address bar to get the full path. So the address bar often does not provide enough info to destinguish between folders.

Now if you enable the full path display, then in the taskbar only the beginiing of the path is dispayed so if you have different folders within the same folder tree, it's also difficult to destinguish between them.

my suggestionts:
1. ALWAYS have the window title displayed above the thumbnail. There's no reason why this should only be done when buttons are grouped.
1a. If the full title can't fit in one line, use multiple lines! I want to see the full title at a glance to quickly destinguish between windows, I don't want to mess around with highlighting one window at a time. Use as many lines as is necessary. Or at the very minimum, use 2 lines so that the beginning of the title appears on the top line and the end on the bottom line. At least this info will let me know at a glance what folder is displayed in a window, and what the root tree is for that folder.

2. The default high of the taskbar is a little taller than in Vista. I find this height nice because icons are actually big enough to be useful. Additionally, there is actually enough space with the taller taskbar to have 2 lines of text on a non-grouped taskbar button!!! Let's use that space in a useful way! If the window title can't fit within the toolbar button, then split it into 2 lines with the start of the title at the top line and the end at the bottom line. Again, especially for Explorer windows, this would let me know just by glancing at the taskbar both the folder name and the root of the folder tree for each window! How useful would that be!!!

3. Finally, if you refuse to do any of the above, then PLEASE at least give me the option to set the tooltip delay so that it comes up faster, with an option to set the delay to 0. So that when I however over a button, the tooltip appears at the same time as the thumbnail preview without any extra waiting.

4. There's lots of unused space in Windows Explorer title bar. As stated, the breadcrumb view limits the useful information in the address bar at a glance. So let's have the option to put the full path back into the title bar, or at least the start of the full path so that we can see what the folder tree root is in the title bar, and what the folder name is in the address bar.

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Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:35:43 Z

I like the way you can arrange windows by dragging to the edge of the screen or using the win+arrow shortcuts. I've been using something similar I set up in AutoHotkey for ages.

However, I think this could be significantly improved. In some cases a horizontal tiling is more useful than a vertical one. Especially for table views. Excel, iTunes, etc. where lots of columns may be relevant.

It would also be nice if you could add tiles. So if there are 2 windows tiled on the left and right, dragging a third window to the bottom of the screen, below the left window, would then cause the left window to take up half of the vertical height, with the third window fitting underneath it with the same width and the other half of the vertical height.

More useful, however, would be "magnetic" edges. What's most useful about this feature is tiling 2 windows for comparison or transferring data from one to the other. However, it always defaults to taking up half the horizontal width of the screen. Often you want one window to be wider than the other. So after first setting up each window on one side, you have to do 2 resize operations. It would be nice if the edges of the 2 windows would stick to each other, so that a single resize would change the width of both windows simultaneously. Maybe using a keyboard modifier would allow this to be added as an option without changing the current behaviour.

Also, if you minimize and restore a window, it will go back to its original size/location so often you need to continually drag a window to the edge. There should be an easy way to make the tiled position/size the new default for that window.

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Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:37:14 Z

Also, when buttons are grouped, it would be nice if you right click on a thumbnail in the group and have that window forceably ungrouped. So if there is one window that is more important for your current work, that will always have its own place in the taskbar.

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Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:44:49 Z

Unlikely to ever get implemented, but I think a useful feature would be something like Expose, but instead of all thumbnails, options to have some applications display filename/paths instead. It should also be more hierarchical. Expose is really neat the first time you see it but I don't find it that functional in real use.

I think a better organization that the physical location of the window on the screen is to group windows by application so that the application icon and name makes it easy to first find the group of windows you're interested in. Each application could have it's own rectangular area, and within that area one can choose to either see for that application thumbnail previews for filenames/paths. For applications with graphical or layout data which make it easy to distinguish visually thumbnails may be preferred. For applications like Explorer where thumbnails look all pretty much the same, file paths are a more useful differentiator.

A first attempt can be make to display all windows, but by clicking on an application icon/name, it could then zoom in to that region to display larger thumbnails and/ore more full title/file/pathnames. There could also be a search bar so if you start typing the name of a window title or filename the visible windows will get filtered.

It's also important that dialog boxes always get shown. These are often lost in Vista and Windows 7 in the flip-3d view and even the alt-tab view.

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Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:48:50 Z

I like the addition to the color management where Windows 7 can now apply an ICC profile to the LUT table for a video card so that a monitor's calibration can be set without third party loaders.

However, at least on my system this doesn't work right. When I first boot Windows it looks like the calibartion is initially loaded, but then get reset to default so I have to use a third party loader (or manually reapply the calibration in the color management control panel) to get the calibartion back. After that it does seem to stick and survive screen and system sleep modes (which is more than I can say for Vista). So it would be nice if this could be fixed or if this is an issue of another application on startup resetting the LUT, it would be nice to have an option to force Windows to preserve the calibrated LUT so that if another application tries to change it, it is either blocked or the correct LUT is immediately restored by windows.

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Mon, 23 Feb 2009 18:04:11 Z

Okay, my final feedback is on UAC. I fear in attempting to make it "less annoying" you're compromising security. I believe the issue with being able to turn off UAC entirely without triggering UAC has been addressed. it's not clear whether only that specific case has been addressed or a more thorough vetting of where and when UAC should be triggered has been undertaken.

As a specific example, in the default UAC setting, there is nothing preventing the creation of a task scheduler task that can run on startup with the 'use highest priveledge" option checked. This means malware running with standard priveledge can potentially script the creation of a startup task that would allow it to load itself on startup with admin priveledge.

I don't buy the argument that once you've allowed malware on your system it's game over. While that's true, I believe some of the power of UAC is that it prevents unpatched or unknown exploits from having root access to the system. So if you're running your browser with normal privledge but there's some quicktime or flash exploit that llows remote code execution (No, that NEVER happens...) that code should only be able to run as a standard user. However, by making it so easy to circumvent UAC protection this remote code now can easily elevate itself to an admin user. This is the sort of thing that UAC should be protecting the user from but in the default state I don't believe it is. In fact, I believe the default setting for UAC is effectively useless as it is not restrictive enough to protect from malware, even if that malware is the result of an exploit rather than a specific action taken by the user.

Also, even XP prompts you before letting you run an applicatino you downloaded from the internet, so if this is meant to be the only real line of defence, what is the point of UAC at all?

I understand that UAC prompts for configuration changes are annoying to some people, but I think Mcirosoft needs to go through all the settings and determine what the risk level is should it be compromised by malware. Maybe changing the system time isn't a big enough concern to require a UAC at anything but the highest level, but checking the run with highest priveledge option in the task scheduler should ALWAYS require a UAC confirmation. Only an advanced user would be using this feature anyway, so an extra UAC prompt is hardly a burden here.

In fact, I'd argue that the UAC settings in Windows 7 are really going in the wrong direction. I'd like to see more protection, but also more detailed info telling me what is going on. for instance, installers shouldn't automatically get admin priveledge. They should only request admin privledge if they actually need to do something like install a startup app, service or driver. A lower level of privledge should be used to simply allow them to create their own private subfolder in the program files folder. And when I get a UAC prompt I'd like to know why. Tell me if the application is trying to install a startup/service/driver. Ideally, applications should initially be installed in a sandbox, so that Windows can analyse what they are trying to do, then determine a relative risk level, and present me with a UAC prompt with details such as what protected events the application tried to do. I could then have the option to undo the install, which should prevent a rogue application from having done any damage since it was sandboxed, or commit the install so the application is transfered from the sandbox to the system, or commit the install but block certain actions like installing startup tray icons or unnecessary services.

Obviously, I don't expect this to get implimented by the release of Windows 7, but some basic policy changes to UAC with respect to settings changes certainly should, and a more thorough sandboxing/virtualizaiton technology should be implimented down the road in a service back or Windows 8.